How do I politely make her leave me alone?

Question

I have this coworker who is in her late 40's. My problem is that whenever she doesn't have anything to do, she comes up to my desk and starts talking about anything that pops into her head. She even tells me about her bodily functions, like when she has to use the bathroom and stuff like her food has gone straight through her, it gets pretty graphic and disgusting. If I am doing something, she will stand at the side of my desk and watch me, making all kinds of sighing sounds and yawning. Its very annoying and unprofessional. I am the receptionist and she still stands at my desk when the phone rings or even when someone walks in. I try to be nice and answer questions when she asks, but most of the time I am ignoring her and she still stays up here. Can someone please tell me how to nicely tell her to go back to her desk and leave me alone? Thanks

Answer 1

she sounds lonely and like she wants to be your friend. maybe you are the only one at work wholistens to her. do you not get breaks where you can chat or talk when you are not at your desk? alhtough if you don't want to be her friend then that doesn't matter.

instead of saying her job is at stake, why don't you tell her that you need to get back to work and that it looks like you are not working if people are seen hanging around your desk. do this often; everytime she comes over to your desk, no matter how many times a day she comes over.

and as far as the things she says you don't want to hear or are grossed out by, say "hey that is TMI or i don't want to hear about that or i think that is gross so stop the story right now."

it may hurt her feelings but as long as you are polite, using the proper tone of voice and the right body language, then she will not be too hurt or offended. if you say it in a mean and nasty way though she will.

Answer 2

Lol, if you just keep saying no then of course he's gonna keep trying. You seriously need to be straight with him and tell him that what he's doing is nice and all, but there's a limit and that he needs to take it down a notch by A LOT.

Answer 3

Your either going to have to tell this woman flat out how you feel or start putting her to work. While shes standing by your desk, ask her to type or file something.

Answer 4

is there something that you do that she could, like filing? Save it for her and when she comes up, ask her to help you get caught up on things by filing this for you or whatever. Then, if she continues, consider going to a coworker you trust and ask for their help. If there is no other, you should bring it up to the boss carefully and privately. Good Luck with this one, hon!

Answer 5

"I'd love to chat with you, but I have a lot of work to get done right now. Maybe you can come by some other time when I will be less distracted because I really need to concentrate on this."

Answer 6

Tell her that a superior made mention of the conversations at the front, and that before the "mention" becomes a bigger issue, the converdsations need to stop.

Good luck.

Answer 7

Talk to the boss and tell them she is preventing you from doing your work.

If that doesn't work, take out a restraining order with the police.

There is no polite way to do it.

If she is coming over to talk to you about these things, she has already decided she doesn't care what you feel or think.

Answer 8

no matter what you say or do, she'll probably get ticked off. it's just human nature. i guess what i would do is tell her that you heard from someone higher-up that they saw her not doing her job and hanging around your desk and they're watching her.that should make her sit down. good luck

Answer 9

Pretend you have something to do ... keep your head down writing and then try to ignore her.

Answer 10

Smile sweetly and say, "Was there something you needed"? Then say, "I have some work to do now, but thanks for stopping by."