"Please don't talk about politics in the workplace. It is unprofessional."
this post was submitted on 13 Dec 2024
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People like that routinely ignore polite exhortations.
Skill issue
Are you trying to blame the victim here?
I didn't suggest being polite.
For the discussed situation, you response is so neutered that it verges on transparently hypocritical.
Honestly, just tell her you'd rather not talk about politics. It can be incredibly passive. You do not need to elaborate. You can make up something simple like "I just want to focus on work while I'm at work," it doesn't even need to make sense. If she pushes back, drop it, but don't ever say it's okay for her to do. Then if she keeps doing it talk to your manager about it. "I've talked to her and asked her not to talk about politics, but she insists. I find it distracting." Again, it doesn't necessarily need to make sense and it doesn't need to be over the top. Now,. hopefully your manager will sort it out. Because if it's annoying you it's likely annoying others.
This is probably the best and most realistic answer here. Just tell them that you're here to work and not chitchat. I've done a similar thing when asked why I don't take a break so we (my superior and I) could go on break together. I work less than 6 hours so I'm not legally required to go on a 30 minute break.
Smh at a few of those other comments that read more like someone trying to write bad fanfiction.
ignoring them is the best thing. when you start feeling super annoyed, thatβs a good time to take a break & walk away for a few mins.
also, the headphones suggestion is on point.
Someone already mentioned going to HR or talking to your boss, but if you really want to shut it down just call her out on her bullshit. Make her explain her position and ask followup questions until she can't respond. She's just parroting some talking head, and you can even make a game out of trying to figure out which one she's channeling
Maybe it will be some consolation for you to remember that you and your coworker have a common adversary: your employer. If you find yourself taking your ignorant coworker's bait, you can try constructively twisting it or redirecting her complaints against the ownership.
Nah. You're giving an enemy tools against you.
Not sure what you mean, but pitting enemies against each other is also an option.
Try to maintain a safe distance of at least 30 m at all times. If youβre stuck with her in the same room, ask lots of work related questions and keep the conversation strictly professional. Dry work stuff only. The more boring the better. As soon as the conversation is about to go off the rails, steer it back.
Many, if not most large companies and government agencies have workplace harassment policies. If you find out what you're covered by, and make your views known, the behavior of this individual could be reportable.
It's a long road, but
One option...lean in, HARD! Dial the crazy up to 11..... One up every point she makes, every single time.
Reply to them in a "really? Aren't you just adorable" tone of voice. Don't engage with what they're saying but treat them way you would treat a puppy that has just learned not to crap on the rug. Or a mental patient.
"Trump says he's going to fix everything two weeks after he takes office!"
"Really? That's amazing! Here I was thinking that you hadn't thought this through, when clearly you had."
When you figure it out, please let me know.
Hereβs a hot take: Take shrooms. Youβll understand to your core that literally nothing matters and society is just a game of house that went too far. Thereβs so much you canβt control, so your coworkers political beliefs will seem like a very funny and intricate delusion they hold themselves to.
Of course this might not be your experience, but sometimes things take too much bandwidth in our heads and we hyperfocus on it and then it affects our mental health and personality. A mental shakeup helps reframe everything and Iβve found that my anxiety over how the world is going greatly gets dealt with better in my head after a good trip.
You don't even need external drivers. Reading Stoic philosophy, and abiding by the teachings will get you there also.
Nice
Mushrooms might actually fix them
Politics is group decision making. Religion is humanities relation to the supernatural. Drama, in context, seems to be a flaring of emotions.
Politics is unavoidable. Working with others requires decision making. She is telling you how she goes about making decisions i.e. deferring to authority.
Religion is also unavoidable since it informs politics. Many people believe God-King Jesus will come fix all the world's problems. Thereby they are primed for deferring to authority.
Drama is a result of the multiplayer game of conversation. You can control your inputs and responses. You can control your internal state. There is no shame leaving a game instead of grinding to "git gud". Not every game is for everyone. I enjoy the grind.
She is telling you how she goes about making decisions i.e. deferring to authority.
This is really insightful. Thanks.
Well, i mean, based on context, she's probably dumb, and the opinions match her lack of social grace. There's that quote about not letting morons drag you down to their level, where they can beat you with experience. You need to work on you selective deafness, or, start using her bullshit for your own amusement. Agree with her in a real backhanded way she's not sure of, English style.
Have you tried weed?
I do, wouldn't help, try mush.
Whole 'Alt right playbook' series is great, but this one aligns with your question:
https://youtu.be/yts2F44RqFw?si=i4spe1pMZEYyswrL
Pull up a book by marx on your phone and just start reading it outlook to them like you would have story time with a child.
You grow up.
You grow up.
AirPods?