I can't abide ad-hoc synchronous communication, not just phone calls. It's the reason I'm almost constantly wearing headphones, whether I'm listening to something or not.

I sometimes hear that a cow-orker is talking to me, but I ignore it on purpose, pretending not to notice. Then they usually figure out they need to attract my attention somehow, so they come over / wave their hands / throw an object at me. I respond politely, but with very visible annoyance. This quickly trains them to use IM instead. IM, for which I often have notifications turned off.

Avoiding distractions at workplace is a hard work in itself.

Best workplace for creative work like programming is a room for yourself.

The shared office concept was a mistake inspired by assembly lines. Sharing space with coworkers is good in factories because work is often dull and workers can talk to each other. For creative work, it's nothing but a hindrance.

I work in a team and find it very useful to easily speak with a coworker when necessary. The increased degree of communication has a very positive impact for me. And I don't feel the need to shit on factory work, which I have never done and suspect you never have, when discussing it.

Be your preference as it may, I certainly did not "shit on factory work" when I said that assembly lines aren't creative endeavours.

My knowledge about this comes from a befriended work-psychologist who worked with both, offices and factories, since the 70ies.

I feel that this is more an issue about bad managment. When your managers are bad to create good communication between teams, sharing the same workspace is a pretty neat workaround that can save a project.

Sounds like you're a real easy guy to work with.

I am. I just have one simple rule - respect when somebody is trying to focus to do their job. I give it to all, but I also expect it too.

You don't have to answer the phone…