Hi,

I am wondering what is the best way to deal with people in work when having social conversations?

For example when Jim and speaking to John about life trials and Jane can hear but she continues working
but at times shows slight interest in your conversation is it correct to narrate your story to her as well or
leave it as she already has heard from your conversation with John.

I feel when speaking in an open office exposes you to many people and you only want to talk to one person at a time.

Also, I am speaking in the context of not people sitting next to you but further down the floor maybe a 1 min walk. 

If Jane is a one-minute walk away from where you & John are talking, you guys must be shouting.  If you don't want people to know everything about you, don't hold personal conversations in an open office area.

We have loud people in our office, and drives some of us crazy.  We're trying to get work done, and they're carrying on like they're in restaurant or a bar.  Very inconsiderate.

WB

Working in corporate America, I can tell you that talking or gossiping in an office environment is not hte smartest thing to do. This is how rumors get started.

I never talk to close working friends within an office environment. Usually, I pull them aside in a private office to discuss issues that do not pertain to the general office personnel. Close working friends are those whom to share a friendship outside the work place. I do not like discussing my personal life in the office because of the acidic gossip that can develop.

I know gossip is fun especially when it is aimed at another person but as an adult, you have to act like one and not spread gossip. In addition, if you talk with your colleagues in the office, you better make sure you do not let any personal matter slip or talk about other employees because it will come back to bite you in the rear. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to counsel employees who gossipped (I heard he said she said this or that).

In the office place, employee hearing gets really good even when people whisper. Look at the rubber necks when you start whispering and you will know who are the ones most likely to gossip or spread whatever you talk about. So beware.

Long drawn out chit chat should be on your own time in the break room or out to lunch or something.  Anything more than a few polite sentences needs to wait until later.  Jane and John may actually be trying to get some work done or maybe Bossman Bob wants some work done.

 

Tess

Same goes for listening to rude lousy loud music.  Gossip is bad manners.  Some humor is OK.