Why are people so mean at work?!

[sophiapen]

I have a 1 year old and I'm back at work now. I go to the office but also try to wfh maybe 1 or 2 days so can have more time with baby as I work longer hours when in the office plus commuting time of 1 hour each way!
Anyways, yesterday I wfh and today I heard comments from other people which I'm pretty sure were about me wfh. There is a person on my team who basically gossips and makes comments about this all the time. She doesn't really speak to me , never even asked how my baby is or how I am etc but seems to share opinions with others and also about another girl returning from maternity soon who barely comes to the office. I'm trying to ignore all this talk but can't help and think it's wrong. I didn't say anything as I think it will just make me look stupid , also if she has a problem with me wfh, then should I really care, who is she to say what I can and cant do?! I feel like if the comments continue to happen on regular basis, that would probably classify as "bullying " maybe? Anyways, I feel like HR might be the only option if this gets worse. It's hard enough being a mum and now a working mum, don't need the extra stress really. Sorry for the long post, just needed to vent!

She's a jealous cow who hasn't a clue.
I would prepare an answer so when she does it again say something like "are you referring to me? I hope not!" That should put her back in her box.📦
Good luck!! 👌😊

Ignore. Ignore. Ignore. It was awful going back to work after Mat leave as I was still full of hormones and sensitive to other people's judgement. You have to try not to care - she's just being a bitch. I appreciate it can be really difficult.

Ignore her. She is just stupid.

I think people are just mean in general these days and not just in a work environment. You only have to look at Mumsnet to see some really horrible comments to know lots of people aren't nice anymore. I think covid turned a lot of people into bitter human beings. I'm sorry you're having a tough time with them at work. Try and ignore their attitude if you can l, I know it's hard. A bad work environment can be really tough. I hope you're ok.

Because some people have way too much to do and others not enough.

Because everyone has PTSD after COVID.

Because too many humans are just nasty spiteful selfish bullies.

I'd happily never have to go on site again. I try to concentrate on nice things like our cats and spring and summer.

Some people are judgmental arses! I'd seek advice from HR, are you allowed to WFH? Yes so what's her beef? Is she allowed to WFH? Assuming so as equity is 'normal' 🤔
If she's spreading incorrect rumours then get support asap

Thanks everyone for your comments and advice, it made me feel better! I'll definitely pick up with HR if this continues or first address it to my immediate manager, although I don't have much faith in him understanding as he seems to like her and she's trying hard to be his best buddy at work but then doesn't speak to me and the only other girl in our team ha.
I would have thought if it's a problem to wfh then my managers would have made me aware by now but also our policy allows hybrid working and I used to wfh before I went on mat leave, plus it's not like I'm exclusively wfh.
I'm just sad there are bitter people like this and not interested in supporting others. Luckily there are other nicer women in my company so just need to ignore this one!

Don’t ignore, challenge! Stand up for yourself and call her out, in a simple way like others above have suggested. Ignoring her gives her permission to continue.