How to Deal With Nosy Co-Worker ?

1.            A nosy co-worker can hamper your work productivity, concentration and mood by invading your personal space, being constantly chatty and watching over your shoulder as you turn to work at your computer.

2.            Some people lack the social skills to back off when they cross a line beyond friendly curiosity.  Some others, just like to learn personal information and details about others for the sake of knowledge.  And there are others who just have a lot of time in their hands and need fodder for spreading office gossip.

3.            Practical tips on dealing with a nosy co-worker

                (a)          Keep a low profile and be discreet

·         Be aware of your surrounding when you make personal calls.

·         Refrain from paying your bills over the phones where you have to reveal your credit card information.

·         Keep in mind that voices do carry through office cubicles & doors.

·         As long as you are discreet in your actions, you will be able to restrict the spread of personal information to colleagues in the office.

                (b)          Try Diplomacy

·         Avoid rude remarks telling them to mind their own business but be diplomatic approach dissuading them.

·         Use of tact in such situations will yield better results.  Sometimes ignoring the colleague’s remarks and changing topic will give a subtle hint to your co-worker that you are not receptive to such conversation.

                (c)           Clear away and lock up

·         Stay away from asking probing questions about someone personal issues and life.

·         Don’t get sucked into office gossip or talk about a colleague behind their back.

·         When gathering in the office break room or lunch, stick to business and be a professional as possible in your interaction with colleagues.

                (d)          Don’t be nosy

·         Stay away from asking probing questions about someone personal issues and life.

·         Don’t get sucked into office gossip or talk about a colleague behind their back.

·         When gathering in the office break room or lunch, stick to business and be as professional as possible in your interaction with colleagues.

·         If you focus on your hard work and have your head down literally that will persuade the nosy colleague to walk away.

                (e)          Be Up Front

·         Be upfront with the person to express your concern if all diplomacy & trick fails.

·         Take the person aside and be honest and tell them directly that his behavior, talk or body language is intrusive and you don’t appreciate questions or talking about personal life.

·         If still things don’t change, talk to the management superior.

·         Best way to handle a nosy co-worker is by exercising a professional relationship with your colleagues and in cultivating any relationship outside office.

·         Set your own boundaries and remember that your personal life is something that is off limits to your co-workers.