One co-worker bitches to you about another - what do you do?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Keep it professional and do not gossip or trash talk about anyone in the office. Be friendly but don't take sides. Things can change very quickly and it's best to be the neutral party.

+1. By spreading Co-worker#1's gossip, you became no better than her. MYOB and stay neutral. Don't engage. And next time co-worker#1 tries to engage, just stare at her blankly. Don't say a word. My MIL does this and it is awesome. Just look at her for a minute (it will get a little uncomfortable) and then change the subject.... she will eventually get the point that you do not gossip.

[Anonymous]

Agree with PPs who say to stay neutral and not spread the gossip. This works for family in-fighting too, btw.

[Anonymous]

I stay neutral and do not involve in gossips, but, I serectly worry whether it is the best practice to survive the office politics. Is it possible that the results of not involved in gossips is to become the main subject of gossips? Anyone else worry about this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I stay neutral and do not involve in gossips, but, I serectly worry whether it is the best practice to survive the office politics. Is it possible that the results of not involved in gossips is to become the main subject of gossips? Anyone else worry about this?

That's a sure sign you need to find a better job. One with a healthier environment and better, professional coworkers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Co-worker #1 approaches me about issues with teleworking in our office - says "it is none of my business, but it must be co-worker #2 or #3 who is abusing the system". Meanwhile, I HATE co-worker #1 and have no idea why she is having a closed door session with me except perhaps to cover her ass. I am good friends with co-worker #2 so of course I tell her what #1 said and we have a good laugh. I'm now thinking of telling co-worker #3 - we are "friendly" but not close. Reason I'm considering it - #1 has indicated that she will stab anyone in the back and I want to give a warning to #3, who likely has no idea #1 is doing this. Thoughts?

I love my job! We only complain about the boss and collectively it keeps us united!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I always play dumb when people trash one another and say no, I hadn't noticed that, nope, I don't know anything about it, etc. Shut 'em down I act polite and professional but clueless and say I gotta get back to my project/am busy with fill in the blank workproject, which I am, lol.

+1

[Anonymous]

This is my life every day at work. Each person bitches to me about the other ones. I just kind of nod and smile and change the subject as best as I can.