If you want your talkative coworker to shut up, you can follow some easy steps. Here’s how to deal with a talkative coworker.
You probably didn’t intend to make small talk when you walked into work this morning.
You may have been in the zone, thinking about your deadlines or what you will make for dinner.
But then you ran into your chatty coworker, and suddenly all bets were off.
10 Ways To Deal With A Talkative Coworker
It’s not that you don’t like your coworker, but sometimes you wish they would pipe down.
Here’s how to deal with a talkative coworker, so you can get back to being productive.
1. Be Direct:
This may seem like an obvious solution, but it’s often the most effective.
If your coworker is talking your ear off, tell them that you need to get back to work.
You can say something like, “It was great catching up with you, but I’ve got to get back to my desk.”
Your coworker may not be happy about being cut off. However, you won’t have to listen to them prattle on.
Some other things you can say to them here are:
– “Can we continue this later?”
– “I’m sorry, but I need to focus on my work now.”
– “I would love to chat, but I have a lot to do.”
2. Set Limits:
If you fall into the trap of making small talk with your coworker every day, it’s time to set some limits.
When they start chatting with you, let them know that you only have a few minutes to talk.
You can say something like, “I only have a minute, but what’s up?”
This will let them know that you’re not interested in having a long conversation.
Do not feel bad about setting limits with your coworker. You have a right to be productive at work.
But also, do not be rude or curt with them. Just be assertive and direct. It will be much easier for them to take the hint.
3. Avoid Them:
If you really can’t stand your coworker’s chit chat, you may want to avoid them.
This may mean eating lunch at your desk or taking a different route to the restroom.
Please do whatever you need to do to minimize your interactions with them.
Of course, you can’t avoid your coworker forever. But if you need some time to yourself, it’s lovely to take a break from them.
You can also try to schedule your breaks for times when you know they won’t be around.
For example, if they always take a lunch break at 12 pm, try to take your break at 11 am or 1 pm.
4. Be Busy:
If you find your coworker approaching you for a chat, try to look busy. You can do this by putting your head down and focusing on your work.
Or, you can try to engage in another task, like getting coffee or making copies.
The goal is to make it seem like you’re too busy to talk.
This may not always work, but it’s worth a shot. You can also try saying that you’re in the middle of something.
For example, “I’m sorry, but I’m in the middle of a project right now.”
Moreover, it’s a perfect opportunity to end the conversation if you’re on the phone.
You can say something like, “I have to go, I’m on a call.”
5. Find A Distraction:
If you can’t avoid your coworker and you can’t seem to get them to stop talking, try finding a distraction.
This could be anything from listening to music on your headphones to reading a book.
The goal is to find something to help you tune out their voice.
Of course, you shouldn’t be rude and ignore your coworker completely.
But if you need to, it’s perfectly fine to find a way to distract yourself from their chatter.
It will be much easier for you to get back to work this way.
6. Seek Out Other Coworkers:
Try seeking out other coworkers if you’re finding ways to avoid a talkative coworker.
This could be anyone from a friend to someone you don’t know very well.
Find someone who you can have a productive conversation with. This way, you won’t have to listen to your coworker talk.
And, you can get some work done at the same time.
7. Talk To Your Manager:
If your coworker starts interfering with your work, it may be time to talk to your manager.
Explain the situation to them and let them know how it’s affecting your work.
Your manager may not be able to do anything about it. But it’s worth a shot.
They may be able to talk to your coworker or give you some advice on dealing with the situation.
Moreover, your manager may be able to give you some additional work to help keep you busy.
This will minimize your interactions with your talkative coworker.
8. Be Friendly:
It’s essential to be friendly with your coworker, even if you can’t stand their chit chat.
Smile and be polite when they talk to you. You don’t want to come off as rude or unapproachable.
This will only make the situation worse. Moreover, being friendly will make it easier to talk to them when you need to.
For example, if you need to ask them a question, it will be much easier if you’re friends with them.
9. Put It In Writing:
If you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to be working, you may need to put it in writing.
This could be anything from an email to a formal complaint.
Of course, you should only do this as a last resort. But if your coworker is starting to affect your work, it may be the only way to get them to stop.
You can write something like:
“I’m sorry, but I need to ask you to please stop talking to me so much. It’s really affecting my work.”
“I understand that you like to talk, but it’s interrupting my workflow.
Could you please only talk to me during breaks or after work?”
“I know you’re just trying to be friendly, but I need to focus on my work.
Please only speak to me when it’s necessary.”
Let it be known that you’re not trying to be rude, but you need to focus on your work.
Your coworker should understand and hopefully comply with your request.
10. Try To See The Positive Side:
It’s essential to try to see the positive side of the situation.
Even though it may be frustrating, your talkative coworker could be good.
For example, they could be a great source of information. If you need to know anything about the company or your coworkers, they’re the perfect person to ask.
Moreover, they could be a great way to take a break from work.
If you’re feeling stressed out, talking to your coworker could be a great way to take a break and clear your head.
In the end, it’s important to remember that you can’t control other people.
All you can do is control your reactions and find the best way to deal with the situation.
Why Is Your Coworker So Talkative? Understanding Their Behavior
It’s essential to try to understand why your coworker is so talkative.
There could be various reasons why they can’t seem to stop talking. Here can be some reasons:
1. They’re Insecure:
Your coworker may be insecure and feel the need to overcompensate by talking.
They may not have many friends or feel like they don’t fit in at work.
As a result, they may try to talk to anyone and everyone in an attempt to make friends.
Such people are often called “chatterboxes” or “gossips”. But deep down, they’re just lonely and looking for someone to talk to.
2. They’re Bored:
Your coworker may be bored at work and have nothing else to do.
As a result, they may try to pass the time by talking to anyone who will listen.
Such people are often called “time wasters” or “procrastinators”.
They’re not necessarily bad people, and they don’t know how to deal with boredom properly.
3. They’re Excited:
Your coworker may be happy about something and can’t help but talk about it.They may have just gotten a promotion, a raise, or a new job.
Or they may be getting married, having a baby, or going on vacation. They are simply happy and want to share their good news with anyone.
4. They’re Nervous:
Your coworker may be nervous about something and need to talk to relieve their anxiety.
They may be worrying about a project they’re working on, a presentation they have to give, or a meeting they have to attend.
They may also be nervous about their personal lives and need someone to talk to.
You can try to be understanding and listen to their problems.
But if you’re not comfortable doing so, you can gently explain that you’re not the best person to talk to about such things.
5. They’re A “People Person”:
Some people are naturally outgoing and love to talk to people. They’re often called “social butterflies” or “people persons”.
Such people are often extroverts who get their energy from being around other people.
They may not mean to be so talkative, and they’re just wired that way. So, there’s not much you can do about it except try to be understanding.
6. They’re Trying To Fit In:
If your coworker is new to the company, they may be trying to fit in and make friends.
They may not know anyone at work and feel lonely. As a result, they may start talking to anyone who will listen in an attempt to make friends.
Such people are often called “newbies” or “brown-nosers”. But deep down, they’re just trying to find their place in the company.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, it’s important to remember that you can’t control other people.
All you can do is control your reactions and find the best way to deal with the situation.
If you have a talkative coworker, try to be understanding and listen to their problems.
But if you’re not comfortable doing so, you can gently explain that you’re not the best person to talk to about such things.
Last Updated on 7 hours by Shahzaib Arshad
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