Horrible woman at work!?

Question

There's a horrible woman at work, aged about 53, who everytime I talk to her says something awful about one or another of my colleagues. So far she has said the boss is a crook, my friend is a liar and cheat, that someone else is a drunk - you get the picture. She is hard to avoid as it is a small place, but all the people she slags off are really lovely and what she says are all lies - why is she like this, and what should we do? Thanks

Answer 1

When she next calls someone say well atually I disagree I think such a body is a lovely person.She is trying to involve you in her nasty gossip by doing that you will shock her and stop her in her tracks.I had the same problem and it worked for me x

Answer 2

Avoid joining in the conversation with her and stay out of her road as much as possible. When she starts slagging people off change the subject or make an excuse to go. Dont let her drag you in to it and dont tell anyone what she has said as it could be an awkward situation in a small workplace. She is just a horrible pessimistic person who has low self esteem and makes herself feel better by being like this.

Answer 3

It's just her way of letting off steam. Just laugh it off. These people are often right in what they say.. which can be amusing in it's own way.

Just take everything with a pinch of salt. And you could mention it to some of your other colleagues to see if they have had the same experience with her.

PS every work place has one person like this.- seriously. It's human nature that someone will ALWAYS assume this role. And guess what, guys do it too- in fact they're WORSE.

Answer 4

Her name isn't Jan is it? I used to work with someone like that. she never really had a nice word to say about anyone. Sometimes all sweetness and light to your face then behind your back a different story. Or she would just start on you for no reason. The thing was when she was on holiday we would get our work done so much quicker and we had to cover hers as well. I just used to ignore her take what she said with a pinch of salt. If she started on me I reply with some smart remarks she couldn't handle it.

Answer 5

She's insecure and the only way she feels some security is to belittle others.

Next time she utters anything negative about a co-worker just stop her dead in her tracks and say. "Really? I've never noticed that about so-and- so. He/she is a lovely person." And walk on by her.

That will annoy her to no end...

Answer 6

If u listen she will keep saying things to u, have strong but polite boundaries. i.e Oh I know her and she's definately not a drunk, sorry i can't stop to chat. Or just give her the look smile and walk away.

Good luck she is obviously insecure

Answer 7

It sounds like this woman has a very boring life at home if she has to go about spreading stories about others.... Try saying "I don't think they would like it if they knew what you are saying".... If that doesn't work tell the people what she's been saying and let them sort it out...

Answer 8

I think this woman has issues and is very insecure. She obviously craves attention and tries to get people to like her by making them think she has some juicy gossip! Personally, i would get your work collegues together and all of you approach her and tell her that her behaviour is unacceptable and none of you want to hear anymore gossip. This will probably embaress her into keeping her opinions to herself!!!

Answer 9

Do you ever wonder what she is saying about you, she is a sneaky piece of work and I would tell your colleagues what she is really like.

Answer 10

Maybe shes transferring her frustrations or anger.
Its rightthat you make your own decisions about these people.
You could casually let her know you disagree next time she says something, and don't let her bully you.