Compulsive in corporate America

Those of you who work in corporate America know that at most places, getting a meeting room for each of your numerous meetings each day can sometimes be a challenge. Here at LandAmerica they're much better at it than at my previous employer. One can reserve the meeting room directly through Microsoft Outlook, i.e., invite the meeting room as you would any other attendee. One can see the room's availability like everyone else's calendar, and if you cancel the meeting, the room reservation gets canceled too. In addition to that, LandAmerica deploys at about 75% of their meeting rooms, little six inch LCD screens by the meeting room door. The device has a big green light that goes on when the room is available and a big red one for when it is booked. Additionally, one can look at the little screen to see what meeting is taking place in the room at that time. Pretty cool, I think.

The problem is the "huddle rooms." Now those not in corporate America may not know this term, but I have found it fairly universal in its application. Contrary to its name, in these huddle rooms we do not assemble in small groups, bent over and holding hands while talking about work. We do not map out plays to destroy the competition. And we (usually) do not slap each other on the butt upon leaving the huddle room. It is, however, used for impromptu conversations or working sessions for 2-3 people. At LandAmerica, these rooms cannot be reserved, but they do have a sliding indicator at the door where the occupant can indicate if the room is "Vacant" or "Occupied". Sounds simple to operate, right? Apparently not!

What I have observed regarding the usage of these sliding indicators is very disturbing. I have found a wanton capriciousness as to their usage. I mean, people are walking around pel-mel, sometimes using the indicator, sometimes not. I walk by many a huddle room each week and find one of two very distressing situations:

1. The huddle room is vacant (room dark, door open) but the sign indicates "Occupied"
2. Conversely, the room is clearly occupied (room lit, door closed, voices emanating) but the sign indicates "Vacant."

What is wrong with people?! How can they be so irresponsible? So cavalier? So unconcerned about their blatant disorganization and its impact on their coworkers?

I mean, is it just me? Of course not. I'm not the type to be compulsive about such things. Some people are just so inconsiderate!