Brought into a staff room conversationn

[CarrotCrusader]

Today at work I was sat with two colleagues in the tiny staff room. They're known for their loudness. I'm more senior than they are and I was joining in with little bits of their conversation. Nothing more than pleasantries. One of them then said someething potentially controversial. The other then joined in, but I kept my head down, ate my lunch and looked at my phone. I don't know if the person who said this will get pulled up about it, but I'm on edge at work at the moment. As I was there, as a more senior member of staff, should I have said something about their conversation? Our lunch breaks are unpaid BTW.

Was it racist/ sexist/ bullying? If so, probably

None of that. I'd challenge any of that without doubt.

It depends entirely on what it was

What was said? It’s hard to know if you should have taken action

Did it break the staff code of conduct? If yes, it should be reported and dealt with.

It'll be very outing of I say here.

Not really if its political anti immigration rhetoric just say so its not like everyone isn't talking about it the same as many many topics so unless you work at shark and are slagging off the hoovers it really won't be outing

It was referencing a public figure, calling them something that may not necessarily be true.

I'm just desperately trying to keep my head down at the moment, get my work done the best I can, whilst battling mental health. I'm tired.

How can it possibly be outing? Unless one of them works for Keir or Rachel.

Will it somehow get back to this public figure? If not I wouldn't worry.

Brigitte?

If they didn't break the terms of their employment, or the law, and it was during an unpaid break then I don't see what you could do. You can go into bat if you want, but you sound exhausted, so I think you just need to accept that people say stupid things sometimes. That's what a good eye roll is for...

I am exhausted. I'm crying now, because you, a stranger recognised that. Thank you.

Who's that?

Regardless of what was said,
if you didn’t join in the conversation you have nothing to worry about.

Quoted in error 🤦‍♀️

As I was there, as a more senior member of staff, should I have said something about their conversation?

I don't think anyone can know that without knowing what was said.

I'm not sure how you could have heard anything as you put your earbuds back on. Hope you get some decent rest 💐🌷💐

Oh sweetheart, exhaustion is horrible, it totally colours everything and just feels like a really horrible heavy blanket that you're trapped under. I really feel for you. Small glimmer of light is that this time tomorrow your working week will be over and the weekend will be beckoning, can you carve out some time this weekend to get some proper rest? I know it can be easier said than done, but even just blocking out an hour or two to watch bubblegum tv, or nap, or do something relaxing will help. Sending love. 💛

I'm assuming Charlie Kirk?

As an example, calling a public figure, or your MD/CEO a wanker is OK - it's probably true.

Anything more serious, just ignore if it wasn't them calling you a paedo etc.

Why would anyone get into trouble for gossiping about a public figure?

At my work place people say stupid stuff all the time, let them crack on

If it was just the 3 of you in the room and the other 2 were both talking about the public figure, I'd say it's unlikely that anyone else is going to find out about the conversation. Try not to worry about it.

Unless you work for the Stasi, I think your colleagues can say anything they like about public figures.