How do I handle an extremely chatty co-worker?

Question

I go to work to WORK not chit-chat. She on the other hand, comes to work to tell me about the guy she's dating, what her kid is up to, blah blah. help!

Answer 1

Sorry, I don't really have an answer for you, besides changing the subject by asking something about work everytime the chatter begins, but it reminded me of something that got me in trouble at a job interview. It was a workplace with mostly women and the interviewing boss was a man. I thought I would impress him favorably by adding, "And I won't be wasting a lot of company time by passing out and 'oo-ing' and 'ah-ing' over baby pictures and last night's date." What I didn't realize was that his wife just gave birth and the boss was passing around new baby pictures by the dozens. (No, I didn't get the job).

Answer 2

I have the same problem, my chatty-gal is so nice and I really like her but DAMN.

Fortunately my boss knows I don't initiate the conversations and I don't leave my desk to go visit with her. I can't imagine how difficult it could be in a less-than-understanding office or if I didn't consider the coworker a friend.

I wish mine had more to do so she would back off a bit. I keep working as she talks, sometimes using little or no eye contact. Most times I am only mumbling uh-huh and yep but on she goes.

Maybe she's a lonely person- your gal may not have anyone else who will listen.

Perhaps go to lunch with her and let her know you need to be able to concentrate and feel you need to buckle down and work because you are going under and you feel YOU are doing much chatting?

If that doesn't help try to tell your supervisor you mean no trouble but you are losing productivity time, if it really is a problem and not a mere annoyance. By all means cover your butt.

Answer 3

Some people are chatty. Thats just their personality. Right now I am sitting here listening to these three girls have a very chatty conversation. Some people can actually have a conversation and work at the same time. Don't get mad at her for being who she is, just do yuor job and don't worry about it. I never join in on the conversations. People just know that I am not into talking about that stuff and now they leave me alone.

Answer 4

How is your office set up? I mean, do you have an actual office, or a cube? If you have a cube, find someone at work with whom you're close and have them keep an eye out for you. As soon as she comes to your desk, have them call you, and take the call like it's really important. She'll go away (hopefully!).

Answer 5

You have to stand your ground and politely ask her to keep her chatting to a minimum and walk away. If she continues then sit her down and get more to the point and tell her you really don't wish to know all about her dating and kids - now let's get back to work. If she still doesn't get the message then you just may have to be more blunt until she finally gets a clue.

Answer 6

Ignore her whole conversation and then look at her and say "Were you talking to me?"

If she doesn't have an audience, maybe she will take a hint.....I feel your pain, I use to have a similar situation. I had to keep my office door closed. My other co-workers understood why I did it.....ugh

Answer 7

Politely walk away or look busy when she comes to your desk. It's the best subtle way to get the message across without hurting feelings.

Answer 8

Headphones.

Answer 9

Ignore her and go about your business, even that means walking away when she is in the middle of talking or talk over her to some1 else. Didn't get the hint? Tell her straight up, STOP.

Answer 10

Just tell her you have a headache. Simple conversation is a strain for you. Say as often as necessary. If she doesn't get the hint, then just say you can't take it anymore.