The pitfalls of a gossipy workplace

My work environment is 99% male - it is that type of industry.

The thing that I find hard to cope with is all the gossip and backbiting. It is shockingly bad.

The other thing is people cutting corners and not doing the damn job properly.

We work in rotating teams of two each day, and being paired with someone who will not follow the rules / protocols / is lazy is horendous for me.

I also made the mistake of confiding with someone senior about my concerns after a particularly tyring day...have discovered that the person I confided in is not trustworthy...and that my concerns have become gossip that has led to unnecessary discomfort.

I think retreating further into a protective shell is needed - no non-work conversations - and in future just ignore those who do the job badly.

I will focus on doing my part of the job properly and turn a blind eye to anything that is not going to jeopardise me.

Parents
  • It all seems to have died down now - people have either realised that I am not bothered by their gossiping, or are concerned that I may talk to management. Either way, that is fine by me.

    Have worked with a couple of the guys in question since it all kicked off, and am glad to report there were no issues. One I just spoke to when he spoke and kept it work based, the other was much more conversational and we actually bonded a bit, shook hands, and agreed it was all behind us.

    Many thanks to all here for your supportive comments :)

Reply
  • It all seems to have died down now - people have either realised that I am not bothered by their gossiping, or are concerned that I may talk to management. Either way, that is fine by me.

    Have worked with a couple of the guys in question since it all kicked off, and am glad to report there were no issues. One I just spoke to when he spoke and kept it work based, the other was much more conversational and we actually bonded a bit, shook hands, and agreed it was all behind us.

    Many thanks to all here for your supportive comments :)

Children