Help me to deal with my coworkers?????

Question

I really like my job, but i can't stand the people I have to work with. They are really childish and love to talk behind your back. Then when you are around them they are as nice as they can be. Also, when someone talks badly behind someones back, anyone that hears what that person has said about you, they make a bee-line straight to you and tell you what they heard. I have tried to talk to my boss about this but he just blows it off and I don't know what to do. Help me please!

Answer 1

Sadly, there is nothing your boss can do to stop their behavior. I am "the boss" and it's the same at my job.
I've tried every tactic I could think of to stop the gossip for 6 years and have had no success.
The best advice I can give you is, be polite with a simple hello. Only discuss a work related situation with all of them as necessary and MOST importantly, if someone asks you any personal question or a question about another worker, simply say "And why do you want to know?" They will very quickly stop talking to you but they will still talk about you. Sorry, that's the way it is.

Answer 2

Some women arent mature enough to be in the workplace, and I wish that employers would screen these immature idiots before hiring them, then promoting them to management where they screw things up even more. Headphones work wonders to avoid all the girly gossip that never ends. It's the mature women who take the job seriously, and are extremely productive that get crapped on. I've been there. The best job I ever had was working with all men, they actually worked, very hard, no time to gossip, maybe a small chit chat about fishing, but then back to work. Men seem to hate gossip, which is why your boss may blow it off. He may not understand that women who arent mature, arent productive, and cause trouble. If you really want your job, get a mini tape player and record what is being said to you, its your job security.

Answer 3

Head them off at the pass. Just politely say that you would rather not be a part of the drama the next time they come up to you, then add that you heard they were one going around spreading all the rumors and you were hoping it wasn't true. Usually it stops that person from doing it. If you do it to a few from time to time, they start to question themelselves a little more and opt not to spread around the newest rumor. I've worked in a place much like the one you describe, only I was bartending so I could just drink them all away and when I couldn't I did that. Hard to believe, but it actually worked. The rumor mill died shortly afterwards.

Answer 4

I'm sorry those idiots are making your work place hell. I've been in that situation and I eventually quit the job. Not, only did I not like the job-but the people were so immature-these are adults who are acting like 16 year olds-pathetic. I wish you the best-and I know in time you will find peace-it's just a matter of time. Now, I have a job that I like (so far) and the people there are OK-but I don't join into their gossip unless its just good times. I don't need to feel insecure where I work or started because my fellow co-workers are all infantile-I just mind my business , do my job to the best that I can and don't mind chatting with a few when it's something positive. God bless.

Answer 5

It's not about you. Bored and childish people tend to behave this way. You may be thin skinned (sensitive) about this type of thing. I know I am.

If you find that this behavior is creating an uncomfortable work environment then you need to look for a similar job is a different environment.

If your boss is not responding to your complaints then, put them in writing, without emotion and let him step up to the plate and make changes. If changes happen, terrific - otherwise, time to move on.

Good luck.

Answer 6

Always be the bigger person. Try to maintain a professional manner at work; steer clear of any co-worker who is not beneficial to you. But in instances where you need to work or converse with them; just keep work profession and try to get caught up in the "small-talk" of the office.
Since they seem to have a childish attitude most of the time; and speaking to your boss does nothing; see if you can go to your boss's boss to express your feelings. There is always someone at the office who will help you. If that doesnt work; I am sorry to say; but you might need to look for another place of employment. Good luck. God bless

Answer 7

I think that is really normal in a working environment. I had the same experience with my first two jobs. I can't bear it so I quit. But later on when I became older I come to realized that quitting for that reason is losing on my part. Why would I allow those people influence me. When I had another job, I stick on my job and ignored them. If I have to listen to every word they say and be remorseful about it I will be at the losing end. They cannot pay my bills and feed my kids. Just my thoughts.

Answer 8

I have dealt with this problem as the co worker and as the boss. The best way to resolve this is confront both the one who came to you and the one who said or tried to start the rumor. It is your right to request a meeting w/boss (that way all 3 of you have a witness) and said subjects. It is almost a guarantee that it will Holt immediately. They usually do this to get you all stirred up which seems as though it is working. When they are confronted and put on the spot stories change. Good Luck

Answer 9

The only things you can do about this are:

1. Never participate in the bad mouthing (and this includes listening to it). Excuse yourself from the situation as soon as they start.

2. If anyone comes to you with a whale of a tale tell them that you're not interested in hearing it.....doesn't matter if it's about you or someone else.

Sooner or later they're going to get the hint and not bother you about it. Bravo for trying to be the bigger person.

And as for your boss, if he's not going to lay down some ground rules (either because he doesn't want to, he doesn't have the balls to or he doesn't have the authority to) he'll be the biggest loser in the end. It's very hard to retain good employees if they have to work in that type of environment.....people need to feel appreciated and secure in their work place....if he isn't going to provide that for you.....and these folks don't smarten up, then consider your options to go elsewhere. Sucks for you but it's better than being worn down by the gossip mongers.

Answer 10

Girl I totally understand your pain, I love my job function but I feel like Im reliving HS all over again! There is no remedy for this #1 its extremely difficult to ignore you can try but it really doesnt work, #2 you can flip out and tell everyone about themselve but then that will only create a hostile work envioronment. Good Luck just take it in stride - your there to make some mula nothing more...