Dealing With Talkative Employees?

Question

HI, I'm an office manager and at my job, there's a lot of work that needs to be done. BTW, this is all office work. I noticed that employees under me, especially one in particular talks too much. She's quite a nice and middle-aged lady, but talks TOO much. You dare not start ANY form of chat with her. She always has a story to share and she will FIND you and start talking and talking and never stops!!! I am a very young manager and I find this to be very irritating and don't want to lose my temper with her. She is very nice and likes me a lot. When I hear her mouth running, I walk up to her and interrupt by asking a question about her work or whatever. PLEASE!! Does anyone have any advice for me before I lose my temper an go off?!!!!!!!!!?!!!!

Answer 1

She's obviously not taking the hint from your interrupting her monologues, so you need to have a private meeting with her. It does not have to be adversarial. She probably does not realize the disruption she is causing. Just calmly explain that there is a time and place for socializing, such as during a break or at lunch, and that her actions are causing some work to back up. If she is getting her work done in spite of her logorrhea, praise her for that but emphasize that it is affecting others.

It is your job as manager to keep the office running efficiently, so you should not feel bad for taking a stand. Just do it before you do boil over and end up causing a scene in front of everyone. Good luck.