How do you handle coworkers complaining/gossiping?

[garnetflower13]

Possible replies: This is not in my job description.
Fancy, darling!
What? Gosh, I am so spacey today.
Say what now?
Who did what to whom? (accompanied by a blank look)
Huh?
How about the weather we've been having?

In other words, be boring and they will expend their vitriol elsewhere.

 

[Phanelope]

Ignore it and don’t take part. Hate gossip. Hate gossip magazines even more. Don’t give a damn what people I haven’t met are doing. Funny thing is my work has a policy against gossip, yet everyone still does it.

 

[Phanelope]

I'll tell you what though, blokes are bigger bitches than women!

My husband loves gossip. Bleh.

 

[Desiree W]

I just tune people out and let my mind wander .

 

[aspieoutlaw89]

i do the usual:not minding.

 

[garnetflower13]

My husband loves gossip. Bleh.

My husband won't turn away from gossip either. Sometimes it can be quite amusing to hear what others say, but I am always mindful that the person who will gossip with one will then gossip about that one with another!