Colleagues not good for my mental health

[whitebunnies]

I work with some toxic colleagues. Most people are friendly and respectful. 2 in particular are very two faced, gossip about people, shirk and try to delegate their work to others so they can 'work from home' which they are going shopping or to the cinema instead. One of them admitted not working and going to the shops so it's not me making it up.

When they are in the office for half an hour to an hour they will go and chat away from their desk about their personal lives and non related work things but expect everyone to do their work while they slack off. These 2 act like best friends but even turn on each other and gossip about each other behind their backs. They manipulate the team manager on their side and enjoy causing drama.

I accepted them years ago on Facebook but won't accept colleagues now so I have put them on restricted access as I don't want people knowing my business. I have one on WhatsApp and I feel like deleting their number as we don't message and she even said herself people at work are colleagues and not friends. What is the best way to distance yourself from people like this? They are not good for my mental health.

Delete them on social media & delete their numbers. Do it right now, if it causes you upset and stress.

If they’re slacking at work and having days out shopping when they should be WFH then that’s their problem, not yours. When you’re at work only do your work that you are payed to do. Take no notice of their work, or what they’re trying to delegate to others. If they ask you, tell them it isn’t your responsibility and report it to HR.

Easier said than done but just don’t engage with them. If they like to openly brag about not working and going out shopping then hopefully senior management will pick up on this.

Please speak to your GP regarding your mental health. Work on your own self-esteem.

@FlissyPaps Thank you for your advice. I know what you have said is all correct. It is a shame as the last place I worked at was so friendly and no toxic people but it was too far to travel.