Dealing with co-workers who joke around too much

[Brem]

I'm sure some of you have experienced work place shenanigans from those annoying co-workers who just continually joke around at work. I can't say I've experienced any jobs like that, but I do know it happens. Have you ever worked at a job where you were picked on by co-workers? Or had to deal with their constant joking or messing around?

What are your horror stories of co-workers being obnoxious at work? Does it affect your mental health? How do you get through it if your boss or manager doesn't stop it?

 

[Jayson]

Joking can be cool, but not in the context of bullying. If bullying is the case, then the best thing is to leave the job.

 

[Brem]

Joking can be cool, but not in the context of bullying. If bullying is the case, then the best thing is to leave the job.

I certainly don't mind joking from time to time, but when it becomes bullying is when I start to take it seriously. Most of the jobs I had were good though, and I rarely dealt with people like that, but there's always one or two people out there who go a little overboard on the joking, to the point it can cause problems.

I wouldn't say leave the job if it gets bad. First I'd try and work with the co-workers the best I can. If they continue to act up, I will eventually report them to a boss, manager or higher up. I don' think it's necessarily fair for someone to quit their job over potential bullying. If the higher ups can't do anything, than I'd consider quitting, but I don't think I'd want to give them that power.

 

[Shree]

I’ve worked with co-workers who joked around too much, and it got distracting. I handled it by setting polite boundaries and staying focused on my tasks. A little humor is fine, but I believe respect for work time is important.

 

[Brem]

I’ve worked with co-workers who joked around too much, and it got distracting. I handled it by setting polite boundaries and staying focused on my tasks. A little humor is fine, but I believe respect for work time is important.

Great point. Sometimes it can go a little overboard, but being communicative towards them and letting them know you don't like it, does help. Most people will listen to you and will leave you alone. But if not, that is when you get a higher up involved to help resolve it.