co-worker keeps looking at my screen at work

[theclick]

That's it really. She keeps looking at it, sometimes she will be on a call and she'll just turn around while on the phone and stare, sometimes she will get up to leave or go for lunch and while putting her coat on, have a good look. It's annoying because a - why? And b - she sometimes sees private things such as comments about my line managee from other managers or HR about hiring etc. She's the same level as me, but I still find it annoying, because I don't get what the fascination is! I asked IT for a screen to cover my screen but apparently only execs at my place are given these. Anyone got tips to deal with it in a jokey way but make it clear id rather she not?! Or should I just let her get on with it?

Put some porn on when she next comes over. Proper nasty stuff!!

although you'll probs get sacked for that lol

If you don't want to confront her, when she heads your way you can press and hold the window button and then press d, which minimises everything.

I would say something to her - I doubt I'd be able to stop myself!

Either way, I think you need to press for a privacy screen. She's being obvious about it but it's not fair on your line managees if anyone walking past your desk can read your screen.

If I were in your position I would say to her that you frequently have confidential information about your direct report on the screen and that you'd prefer she didnt look at it - addressed in a professional manner

Also if you work in a communal area and genuinely have professional need to have confidential information on your screen, raise with HR regarding the privacy issue. Only giving screen protectors to execs when you have sensitive work to do is stupid and elistist!

Every time she looks at your screen scream really loudly at the top of your voice

Do you spend a lot of time on non work stuff by any chance. I have to admit my eyes are drawn irresistibly to the screen of a colleague who is regularly to be observed on e commerce sites. The way our desks are arranged I am basically looking over his shoulder from the vantage point of my desk. I couldn't read any small text, but can spot the Amazon logos etc. He does it at any time of day, not on his own time at lunch, including during conference calls. I really don't care if he ever sees me looking!

Thanks all! Some of you really made me laugh

Well yeah I am prone to a little ASOS browse Every now and then but not all the time. My screen is visible to people from afar so I can't really get away with it too often.

I have considered tilting it away from her so she kind of gets the message..

First off, if you have confidential info on your screen you are working on then tell your boss and HR you are uncomfortable as your co workers can see it and they look. Ensure this is in writing ( nicely) and tell both or cc both your concerns

A) your desk is moved so no one can see your screen
B) they tell you not worry so you don't and keep a copy of the email to them at your personal email address. And insist it's on your record, that you have highlighted it.
C) you get a cubicle where people can't see your screen when they walk in. And you always close your screen down and lock away papers even if nipping to the loo.

It's for her/ your manager to sort out, not you - confidential is confidential.

Oh, I don't blame people for looking online during zzzzzzzzz conference calls. Why, only yesterday, someone who claims to work 100 hours per week was posting during a conference call to say just that.

This guy is not a skilled multi tasker...ask him a question and not only do you have to repeat the question but about 10 mins of the lead up!

I would either

A) purposefully pull it nearer to her when she looks and ask if there is something she wants to see.

B) buy my own screen protector if work won't give you one

C) do the same thing to her

Any of the above would depend on what mood I was in, and I could possibly do all three in one day.

You need a customer background that says 'Hi Nosey'! Then you just Alt+Tab / press windows to it when she looks.

is it possible to turn your desk at an angle so that she cannot do this ?

Is she actually reading it or just absently staring. I stare at people's phones. I don't mean too, the light just catches me and I drift off!

Put a post-it note on the bottom of the screen

"If you're reading this you're a nosey fucker, now stop looking at my screen, twat!"

Easy :)

Turn round and ask "Did you need me?" Every single time you catch her at it. Hopefully it will shame her.

Oh my goodness. I work with that person.
In my case, she is senior to me and has NO boundaries.
She will march into my office and read - and comment on - entire emails "What does SHE want?" "Why is he asking you that"....
She also goes through the piles of papers on my boss's desk (also her direct boss) and will then ask ME "what is this paper about?"
Horrific. Irritating. Invasive. Rude.

You have my sympathies.

Is she actually reading what is on the screen? I find it incredibly hard to read one I'm not directly in front of.

I get your concern but she might not actually be reading certainly when I'm leaving work and putting my coat on I can sort of stare in to the middle distance because I'm subconously checking I've done everything I need to do, got my keys lunchbox bus pass. And when I'm on the phone, not normally at work, but sometimes I just zone out and concertate on the conversation.

I'd maybe just say sorry did you need me or can I help with anything.
No need to be rude or presume she's reading