It's really a downer I hate it. You can tell an amusing anecdote, but shop talk should stay out of the lunch room. What do you do to combat constant shop talk in the lunchroom?
2007-09-26 14:45:21 · 12 answers · asked by alwaysmoose 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Yes - especially when it is whining and complaining shop talk . I like to get physically away from the office when I take a break - to take a mental break.
2007-09-26 15:14:51 · answer #1 · answered by ♥♣♥ 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It may be annoying, but also remember that it's very natural. First off, usually people who work together don't really know each other very well. They often don't really have anything else to talk about. Sometimes, they may strongly disagree on political or religious views, so work talk is a lot safer.
Also, if people are working together closely before lunch, it's natural and desirable to be able to continue that conversation over lunch. Many times I'd rather continue the work discussion over lunch so I don't forget what we were talking about before. In fact, sometimes the best ideas get tossed around after take a short break and get back together in a different environment (the lunch room). The old "back of the cocktail napkin" design idea came from somewhere, you know.
So, there's nothing saying you can't have other kinds of conversations in the lunchroom, and there is nothing wrong with trying to steer the conversation in other directions. But if the people want to continue talking shop, you don't have permission to either force them to change the subject nor to sulk.
2007-09-26 21:51:34 · answer #2 · answered by Gary B 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I hate that too. That's why I choose to get away from the place during lunch and go home. I'm lucky in the fact that I only live ten minutes away from the office and I can go home for an hour and return to finish the rest of the day after a quick nap.
2007-09-26 21:58:35 · answer #3 · answered by Monica M 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I try to tune people out if I don't like what they are saying. Perhaps you could read a novel or a newspaper at lunch. Or you might try listening to music on your Mp3 or portable CD player.
2007-09-26 22:17:41 · answer #4 · answered by nowyouknow 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is annoying, but most of the time they don't have anything else to talk about, because other than at work, they don't see the other people, or know much about them
2007-09-27 07:12:56 · answer #5 · answered by samdugan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't care. I'd rather talk shop than let people I work with into my private life.
I MOST definitely don't want to listen to the dramas and troubles of people I only know through work.
2007-09-26 22:35:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I hate it too. I usually tell stories and do a half standup routine, or try to get everyone talking about a current event, or invent a goofy game to play.
2007-09-26 21:56:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think you're right. (Unless there is someing I am having trouble understanding how to do), There are new movies, books , and current events to mull over.
2007-09-27 00:54:49 · answer #8 · answered by V B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sit by yourself. Wear earphones and listen to something, but please stop trying to be the lunchroom POLICE. It makes YOU appear the fool.
2007-09-27 04:21:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, that's why I step outside and eat my lunch elsewhere.
You can't fight it. Just remove yourself from it.
2007-09-26 23:19:47 · answer #10 · answered by JD 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋