How to deal with annoying co-workers

Question

I am the receptionist of a large company, all day long people stop by my desk to unburden themselves with their problems & I am forced to listen. If I am on personal call, they stand there and wait, if I say Im in middle of something that say "thats ok" and continue to babble. It is so annoying, I cannot be rude, but how can I deal with this, its constant all day, I hear things about their childhoods, exes, etc. help!

Answer 1

This is probably not the answer you are hoping for.  But, you are a very popular person at work!  Count your blessings. There are people who would trade places with you in a heartbeat.  I know I would.  People in general, are not that receptive to me.  I have never been able to make that many friends at work. It was "Hi" and "Bye".  People were cordial and polite. But, they rarely extended beyond that.  When I talk too long or get into my problems, people feel burdened or overwhelmed.  They would divert their eyes, turn their backs, make excuses for leaving or walk away. You don't seem to encourage people to keep talking to you.  You are definitely not a potential candidate for the counseling profession. No one is forcing you to listen to them. Try doing the things that people do to me when they have no interest in what I am saying.  Use your body language and facial expressions.  It is hard to keep talking when the other person does not listen or reciprocate.  They will stutter, spit and feel like fools.  Either that, or stop wearing deodorant.  The repulsive odor will keep people away from you. They will find someone else to spill their guts to.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

It's either you or the desk where you sit - people are drawn to come there when they have time to waste. Maybe you're just that easy a person to talk to.

I think you should ask the office manager for help. See how far you can go in pushing people away, and find out if you're somehow encouraging them. There might be a physical solution that could make you seem less approachable by everyone in the office without separating you from the clients who need to see you first.

Answer 3

First, do you have any co-workers that could help to rescue you?  maybe by calling and pretending to be an important call?  This could be for the super stubborn chatterers.

Second, always have paperwork in your hand and get up and shuffle around and appear distracted so when they say something say you didnt catch it.  Again this is for the stubborn ones.

Third, always look super busy and pick up the phone when you see them coming.  

For the everyday chatters, what usually works the best is to not be passive aggressive.  Tell them you are super busy and if they need anything?  If they dont it doesnt leave them much room and you can go back to work.  Do this with a smile and a sense of urgency.  Maybe ask them what they are working on as well.  Also make up some busy time slots and say "this is my busy time can we chat later?"  

You have lots of options, you just got to point out that your time is important as well.  

Answer 4

You might have to be a bit harsh with them at first. Tell them you do not have time to talk.You have a job to do. Then they will get the point.

Answer 5

Hello there.

NOTE: This is just my personal advice on what I would do if I were in this situation. It is up to you to choose what is best for you.

Just smile, and politely change the subject. If that doesn't work, then just use a polite comment like, "I'm so sorry you have been going through this right now." to end the conversation. Keep on repeating comments that leave no room for a large response (For example, do not ask questions, etc.) and eventually the person who is speaking to you will get the message. Just remember to be polite, and smile. You may feel frustrated and annoyed, but please do not be rude.  

Oh, and you can take it as a compliment that people choose to confide in you. That means that you have a trustworthy personality!

Hope this helps. Good luck!