How To Disengage from Gossip?

[Writersblock2]

Any tips?
Short version: lots of drama at work. I’m not directly involved but people in my office are. Many ppl keep coming to me with their side because I’m a long-standing employee. I’m not the boss and I can’t change any of it.

I’m plNning I’m telling them for my own mental health I need to not engage in these conversations - being ranted at to offload or otherwise. But I need some tips as to how to keep my head down and not be dragged into it.

Thanks in advance.

*on telling

Earphones ! And not the in-ear ones either, I’m talking about big cans ‘to help you concentrate’.

Also giving no indication as to any option - a bit of non commitment humming goes a long way.

Try to lunch away from them (I took my dog to work for this so I had to go walking in any weather 😁)

Always have a handy book. A big fat one that you’re glued to works best.

Key moment toilet breaks to dash off for.

Or you could just tell them to grow the hell up.

I used to have a job in a large establishment that involved going all around the different offices every day. So l was often told the latest gossip about somebody who wasn't populat or that had committed some 'political' office crime (not putting much in a collection etc etc) So basically someone was always slagging someone off to me.
I started to have a standard conversation stopper of 'oh you mean Anne from accounts (or whoever,)... oh do you think so? l REALLY like her, we get on so well'
Even if l didn't know the person l'd say this, stopped them in their tracks always

Thanks, both! Some great ideas. Unfortunately I can’t wear headphones because I have to interact with colleagues and answer the phone, but I like the idea. I thinking the “hmmm” and toilet dash ideas are good!

@Bahhhhhumbug - that’s good too! Sadly it’s a small place and it’s common knowledge who likes who etc. Bah!

I liked your own suggestion....”for my own mental health, I can’t engage”

I have a friend who always changes the subject pleasantly and effectively just by using the word “anyway”.....

So then maybe add on something like “anyway, .....I’ve got to crack on” with this deadline/project/invoicing/ whatever 😊

ah yes, my tactic only worked because it was a big place with hundreds of employees and as a person known to come into contact with almost everybody l was seen presumably as someone who could dish the dirt, tell them the latest gossip etc etc. It was actually a very bitchy place to work, mainly women lm sorrg to say but true. So l had to come up with something and after a while of this policy the main culprits stopped bitching to me.
But no it wouldnt work in a small workplace.