To be really fed up with colleague

[SpeckledHem]

I work in a school office with my colleague who talks constantly about Covid. I get it is a situation that effects everyone and she certainly seems to have a lot of anxiety but I just can’t take anymore.

If we are quiet she is on her phone checking the government website for changes then ‘updating’ me on any development despite neither asking or showing any interest. Any phone call she takes, if given the opportunity will talk about Covid, any visitors or parents she deals with on the front desk she’ll talk about Covid.

Today a parent came in to drop off something for their child and mentioned they were off to have their booster jab, she then went on a massive rant about how her first 2 jabs (AZ) were fine and the booster was Moderna and she was ‘really ill’ blah blah blah, poor parent couldn’t get away quick enough!

I’ve tried politely ignoring, such as occasional nod, hmm or ah sounds, I’ve tried changing subject, I’ve even rolled my eyes and yet she’s still incessant.

WWYD?

I think you need to have a firm word. “Jane, we’re all anxious about covid, but I’m finding it really stressful that you talk about it so much. Please could you stop discussing it at work?” If she is anxious herself, she should be able to empathise with the idea that constant talking about something like this can trigger anxiety for others.

I'd just say to her that you don't want to talk about covid anymore as you find it too much and you would rather keep work as stress free as possible and talk about more pleasant things. It doesn't have to come across as rude; you could say 'I know you understand as you get anxious about covid; I really don't feel I can discuss it at work anymore. Can we change the subject?'

As other posters have said - sounds as if you need to be straight with her - but I would also (gently) point out that talking obsessively about Covid to any parent/visitor to the school is really not appropriate. At best, it's potentially going to fuel additional anxiety within the school community; at worst, it's going to fan flames of paranoia and some parents are struggling enough with life at the moment as it is. Her behaviour sounds really inconsiderate and unprofessional.

For context I work in a school office and I know that covid anxiety is high amongst our parents and staff. It's hard - but when your job is to support parents and staff members it's important to try to deal with anxieties in a pragmatic, sympathetic way, not fuel them by ranting or discussing Covid worries endlessly.