I work in a group that has become extremely hostile and drama filled by the kids who are in my dept.

Anonymous

September 8,2022 at 12:53PM UTC

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I work in a group that has become extremely hostile and drama filled by the kids who are in my dept. All of us older people dont want to deal with the gossip anymore or lies these 2 create. They can do nothing wrong and its everybody else fault. But they dont work and goof off all the time. Any advice? One has put hher hands on another employee and the other is dangerous with his lies. They are handling the physical situation but not the other kid who gossips all day. Whats the best way to confront this? Keep it factual or give examples?

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AnonymousSeptember 8,2022 at 2:11PM UTC
Write ups with warnings and consequences. Then a PIP with termination if the improvement doesn't happen by the deadline.
If you are not their manager then stay in your lane and file a formal complaint with management or HR and demand an investigation.
AnonymousOctober 3,2022 at 2:41PM UTC
Factual, and with factual examples about how this behavior is affecting YOUR work and not anyone else’s. And I would avoid calling your professional colleagues “the kids” if you want to give the impression that you are not involved in the gossiping and drama.
JC LindquistOctober 3,2022 at 4:49PM UTC
Since the physical touch situation seems to be handled, I will comment on the gossiper. If leadership isn't recognizing the issue, everyone needs to help them recognize the lies and gossip. It's possible they are too naive to understand what they are doing due to lack of experience and lack of leadership.
If you don't feel you can do this then the other option is for all of you to ignore them, do not actively engage in them and their comments. Gossip and lies only become powerful if the team lets it.
AnonymousOctober 3,2022 at 4:56PM UTC
Been there-both situations. HR, HR, HR. It’s a hostile work environment. I agree don’t get involved with the bs and gossip. However HR is there for a reason!!! If they don’t do their job there is always the option of calling the state labor board if it takes that to get HR’s attention.