I work in an office where others talk and laugh while I'm at my computer. Is it rude of me to not join in?

Question

A co-worker sits right in back of me and yells out to other clerks things she needs. She's always very loud and seems to want attention. I try to avoid her by always attending to my work. I just wonder if I'm sending out vibes that I'm being anti-social even though it is a work place, but of course everyone stops now and then to chat about family or gossip about other colleagues.

Answer 1

You are right. They are wrong. You are getting paid to work.
Socializing is for breaks, lunch or after work.
You should be polite and cordial to your co-workers and can engage in brief pleasantries but that's about it.

Answer 2

Your co-worker isn't being a good neighbor. The prime object of work time is work, not chatting or laughing with one another. You might be perceived as anti-social to some, but the office manager and bosses will see you out there working away while they others play.

Answer 3

They may indeed feel you are antisocial or rude but YOU understand a work ethic and they do not. When at work you are supposed to be respectful, act like an adult and do your work not yell all over the office to other people. Your co-worker is an idiot and should be fired for unprofessional and disruptive conduct. I'm happy to hear there are still some people like YOU around. All I see is childish, foolish and unprofessional employees wherever I go and I was beginning to despair. Kudos to you!!

Answer 4

ok the job is to work but you need to have a good realationship with your co-workers and if you take the advice of most of these people you might be seen as stuck up or snudy. don't be rude or mean and tell them that they are being rude because you are doing the right thing and working but you should be able to talk to them from time to time there is nothing wrong with you just that you are not a social as these people.

Answer 5

The stopping and chatting is them wishing you'd be more sociable and trying to manually bring that out by coming to talk to you. It's only fear holding you back, let that go and you'll be free to give your proper input as well, you'll be happier when you do especially when you're being so genuine. You can work and chat but if ever it gets more than you can manage, say "Now I better get BACK TO WORK" Life is more fulfilling when you have social proofing. 85% of a human's happiness comes through others. I won't hold back anymore.

Answer 6

It seems rude of her to yell out. Keep this between you and me but your other co-workers probably feel the same. You do not want to get in the habit of gossiping because it is so childish and hurtful. Be yourself and do what YOU feel is right. You are ok.

Answer 7

I worked in a place similar to yours, where I was always at my desk working and I would get my work done before everyone else plus I would help them get their work done while they went out for cigarette breaks all the time and stopped to gossip or whatever. I say you should just join them as long as everyone is getting their own work done when it needs to be done. No sense letting everyone else have all the fun while you do all the work.

Answer 8

You're the only ethical one in the office. They are supposed to be working and should save the socializing for break times. I wish I could tell you that being a good employee will reap you rewards, but unfortunately, one of them will probably be promoted over you...especially if she's hoisting D-cups.

Just keep doing what you're doing and ignore them. If you've got a boss with half a brain, he/she will catch up with them someday.

Answer 9

Keep up your good work. You can chime in with the others once in awhile to join conversations, but not gossip. If your manager walks by while this is going on, you will be the only one not standing out.

Answer 10

what ever happened to a true work ethic? you get PAID to do your JOB. you don't get paid to socialize and be popular in the office. You can be pleasant without gossiping, or passing the time of day over every little aspect of your life instead of doing what you are paid to do. Save socializing for your breaks, then you can be the biggest office socialite there is.