How To Deal With a Gossipy Coworker

Totally aggravate her by playing Susie Sunshine to her Nasty Nelly. If she growls, “Doris snuck out at four yesterday,” say, “Good for her! She works so hard” (even if you, too, think Doris is a deadbeat.)

Don’t encourage her. Even if you’re dying to ask her how she knows that two married colleagues have embarked on a torrid affair with each other, grit your teeth and change the subject.

Trap the big mouth by telling her a lie about yourself that you emphasize is top secret. Then tell your co-workers what you’ve done so they can report to you when the fake rumor has reached them—and then confront her when it does.

Make a pact with other employees that when the town crier gets going, you’ll all get going, too. She won’t be able to gossip if no one is listening.

Her lips are still flapping? Take her aside and ask her to really think about what she’s doing. With as much tact and diplomacy as you can muster, ask her to refrain from talking about others to you.

As a last resort, talk to your supervisor. Stress that you tried handling the situation yourself. And don’t make it personal — drive home the point that the gossip is affecting productivity.