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My work colleague never stops talking.

45 replies

Fox22 · 25/04/2026 20:27

I work with a colleague who constantly talks while we are working. What we do requires a lot of concentration. The radio is already on so that also can be distracting for me. So combine that with somebody that talks it’s exhausting me! Our manager is aware, and even avoids coming into the office because of it! I said to her when she was stood up, not working, and talking at me, that I needed to concentrate as I couldn’t figure something out and she said ‘ok’ and CARRIED ON TALKING’ even when I’m not looking at her, making it very clear I am not interested, she carries on. She reads every email out that she receives, reads every email out that she sends back! I don’t know what to do?! Given the fact I have told my manager. We do not have a HR person? I also wouldn’t want to get somebody into any trouble, but what do I do? It doesn’t just affect me, it affects another two colleague. She’s very almost reduced me to tears, where I have had to get up and leave the room!! As she just doesn’t listen when you say that you are busy.

OP posts:
Fox22 · 26/04/2026 17:42

Thanks to everyone with helpful advise!!! It’s appreciated.

OP posts:
Fox22 · 26/04/2026 17:43

Do you thank everyone for posting? How pathetic!

OP posts:
JurgenKloppsTeeth · Yesterday 06:06

Fox22 · 26/04/2026 17:43

Do you thank everyone for posting? How pathetic!

I was sympathetic to you until you posted this. What a nasty comment.

Francestein · Yesterday 06:09

Big, fuck off, noise-cancelling headphones in a bright colour like orange or something she can’t miss.
Also, “I am not your sounding board. Please stop talking at me and let me get my work done.”

Empress13 · Yesterday 06:10

Just shut the f* up usually works! Seriously tho I would have another word with your Manager. What sort of work do you do that allows radio on and constant chatting?

TheAutumnCrow · Yesterday 06:13

Fox22 · 26/04/2026 17:43

Do you thank everyone for posting? How pathetic!

What do you mean??

stillchasingdereksheppard · Yesterday 06:21

I use loop earplugs in the office - I have the adjustable ones. They're great for blocking out all the background noise and on the silent setting you can barely hear anything.
I work in an open plan office and have ADHD so they're a life saver.
People now realise when I've got them in I don't want to chat!
Perfect

SilverGlitterBaubles · Yesterday 08:00

I sympathise OP, this can be a big problem especially in open plan offices. Perhaps a reminder form your manager that people need to be more mindful of colleagues who are working and trying to concentrate and as PPs have said some good noise cancelling headphones.

ThirdStorm · Yesterday 12:50

Fox22 · 26/04/2026 17:43

Do you thank everyone for posting? How pathetic!

I imagine the exchange between myself and the other poster, didn't support the OPs narrative of their "annoying" talkative colleague. I was right to thank that poster for sharing their story and they were right to thank me for sharing how we'd resolved it our workplace. I now think the OP is being very uncharitable.

DalmationalAnthem · Yesterday 13:04

I thought it was the original poster calling themselves pathetic for thanking posters since s/he had just posted to thank people and didn't quote anyone, but is the OP calling a poster pathetic? Confused
I thought @whatisforteamum was thanking the OP.

NorthFacingGardener · Yesterday 14:31

whatisforteamum · 26/04/2026 16:18

Thank you for telling us about your colleague.

editing to say ignore my post - I’ve confused myself.

Jasmin71 · Yesterday 14:52

I would literally just ignore her. I would speak to my own manager first and tell them that this is the way I am going to deal with situation.

whatisforteamum · Yesterday 15:47

I was thanking thirdstorm.Every viewpoint is valid.
The nasty comments make me despair.Whatever happened to making it a rule for everyone to work more chat less.
I have to admit I work as fast as my mouth goes as I'm.hyperactive.
I'm aware others prefer peace though.

LiviaDrusillaAugusta · Yesterday 15:49

whatisforteamum · 26/04/2026 07:11

Hi there I'm the compulsive talker.
I only discovered the truth a few years ago.I worked in noisy environments so it was less obvious.Ive been diagnosed hyper active impulsive ADHD with autistic traits.
So I chat non stop when I'm excited or have ideas.
I also don't recognize social cues.Your colleague maybe the same.
I think the answer is to set boundaries.Chat at break time or before work.
I think it's incredibly hard for both parties tbh.

I’m AUDHD too but have the opposite issue - sensory overload if people are talking in the office!

whatisforteamum · Yesterday 15:59

Oh that's interesting LiviaDrusillaAugusta.
I can be like that in hot crowded noisy environments like cafes.
Too much banging chatting clattering and crowds.

Taytoface · Yesterday 16:25

Was this the least successful attempt at sock puppeting ever?

TheAutumnCrow · Yesterday 16:29

Taytoface · Yesterday 16:25

Was this the least successful attempt at sock puppeting ever?

I haven’t got a scooby what’s actually happening.

WhatNextImScared · Yesterday 16:33

Put earphones in.

DalmationalAnthem · Yesterday 16:47

Taytoface · Yesterday 16:25

Was this the least successful attempt at sock puppeting ever?

I think one poster was thanking another for writing about a colleague, the OP thought the comment was thanking her personally for the thread and called the poster pathetic.
Neither of them quoted or tagged anyone-hence confusion.

EmpressaurusKitty · Yesterday 16:49

Fox22 · 26/04/2026 17:43

Do you thank everyone for posting? How pathetic!

Are you both the irritated person and rhe compulsive talker, OP?

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