
How do you deal with a coworker who won't shut up about politics?


Draw the boundary.
Tell her firmly that she is allowed to believe what she likes, but this is a workplace and you (you, personally, not her) have work you need to do.
Begin documenting every time she interrupts your work (small notes like date, time, location - if she sends you anything in writing keep a copy for your records).
If it persists or she, as I'm predicting she will, flies off the handle and keeps pestering you, then go to your boss and tell them to talk to her boss and get her to stop. Document what you said, what she said, and her reactions if any.
If that persists, insist on a meeting with your boss, her boss, and HR. Have your documentation ready.
This shouldn't need to escalate, but if she's as unreasonable as I fear she is then best to cover your own ass.
Do you have tape guns at your job? 🤐🤣🤣
Start talking about hookers and then start talking that all politicians are hookers because they sell out all the time they sold us out they sold our country up they're all fucking hookers LOL I would love to battle with your coworker I would fuck with his it's so bad I hate people that talk about politics especially when they're politician never does anything anyway if he's talking about Trump tell him Trump had an opportunity to be the best president we've ever had play fuk it up just like everything else or tell him Trump should have brought in the guy that made his business come back from the dead and that's George Trump's right hand man he's the one that had all the brains George would give it life and Donald Trump with screwed up by the things he would say and do
I think the best case scenario is to just be as respectful as you can and just tell them "hey I understand your passionate about your views but can you please not share your opinions in a diverse place?" I think this response is solid since it's usually considered as common workplace etiquette to not talk about controversial things in a space with high diversity and I think the other person would hopefully be reasonable and keep their opinions to themselves. Worst case scenario, your coworker gets mad at you and then you have to get a manager or a higher up involved but honestly that would probably help in shutting them up if they just keep running their mouth since you do have some people who don't realize they run their mouth off sometimes
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There was a guy at a company that I used to work for who was like that. He would corner people and discuss politics and try to stir up arguments. He told me that he sued the company that he worked for before he worked for this company, because they told him that he couldn't discuss politics at work. The company actually settled out of court with him, so he got a cash settlement.
Now this company that I worked for, had their ducks in a row. They ended up firing him for this because he was being disruptive in the workplace. He didn't have a defense because they documented that people were complaining that it was annoying them and they didn't want to participate in his political conversations.
I even recall during this, that the quarterly company magazine, for employees, had an article in it having to do with your right to talk about your opinion. But not to the degree of being offensive or disruptive in the workplace. I had no doubt as to whom they were referring.
Ugh, one of those people...
Yeah I know the type. Can you wear headphones at your job? If so, put them on! Better still, just avoid her or walk out the office when she starts her rant about it.
If that's not an option, then you have two options: either confront her on it, and politely tell her you rather not hear her talk about politics.
Or tell your manager. Inform them your coworker's rant about politics irks you and you think it would be best if politics were not discussed at work. Ideally, the manager will hopefully keep you anonymity and make it a rule to where no one can discuss politics in the office/department.
THOSE people?
Try and not engage as much as possible. If itâs truly annoying. Chances are itâs annoying to other people to. Pick your battles and allow someone else to make a complaint about this person. And I guarantee you if this person is highly annoying someone else eventually will. And that saves you having to waste your complaints on this. Save it for situations more important.
if someone else doesnât eventually complain. Maybe reasses the real reasons this person is triggering you but not triggering others x
I usually find a way to make them talk about other things that are interesting to them, and then I make sure to make it about other things rather than politics
Asking people to stop talking about what they're obsessing about might not always work because it is... an obsession... for them, so it is like a void that's in constant need of being filled up and of course this never ends. So... sometimes they might respond better to a "negotiation"
If you can redirect that obsession of them, to something else like a real interest or true passion they might have, something that they ENJOY talking about and maybe then, they want to keep that kind of attention going, It is worth a try, I've done it a few times.
I think there is nothing wrong with telling her that you would appreciate it if she stops talking about politics.
Or you can tell her to check on all sides of politics before coming up with an opinion. I checked the left and then the right, and they just attack each other nonstop, so I myself am sick and tired of politics. I like checking alternative parties, but political parties do nothing but divide the people. Even our founding fathers mentioned this. If she asks why should she, tell her we canât judge anyone accurately unless we understand them. I understand people that are on the left and right, but canât take watching politicians attacking each other, and if everyone checked all sides, both sides of politics will lose most of the audiences if not all. I can assure you if she checks both or all sides of politics, she will hate it as much as I do.
Presumably politics you disagree with?
Most people hold... let's say extremely fundamentalist views of one kind or another. Especially when they are hungry and/or dieting.
On top of that, it has become completely mainstream - it is considered a genius solution in many environments - to simply coerc8vely offload the blame onto someone else (anyone else as far as I can gather)
If they are a bigot, I don't think there is anything other than paying no attention that you can do. Bigots are quite often passionately hungry, so to speak - the underlying message is 'I need more and I believe you/others deserve less'. There isn't an argument that can win in that conversation - they consider they are better, because it works for their agenda of getting more unfairly/with no special. contribution/at other people's expense.
Just ignore them. Donât engage. This country has gone crazy with all the political BS. There is not much you can do. These people are everywhere.
The only other option is to complain to your manager that this person is disrupting the workplace and see if the manager can address it. If the manager canât or wonât, you could complain to HR. Not about whatever the political opinions are, but the fact that the person is making you uncomfortable and disrupting the workplace.
Her and the manager are all buddy buddy so that complicates things for sure
Then complain to HR. Politics divides people and causes problems in the workplace. Itâs got no place at work. People should be asked to keep their political soap box outside the workplace. Especially a manager who can be perceived as speaking on behalf of the company. Which is something most companies do not want. If it makes you uncomfortable and you feel harassed, you have a case. Again, donât bring the specifics of their politics into the complaint, you donât want it to look like you have a problem with the position they are taking - rather just talk about the disruption. If your HR department is professional they will address this.
@jake99999 there is so much you can do with that - when they get in your face all the time.
Talk to management, talking about politics at work is pointless because it can cause arguments. For a guy such as myself who has studied more about religion and politics and history, I didn't know much when I was younger and hearing stupid, racist shit guys I worked with in retail stores. If I heard that shit now, I would tell those guys off, but yeah I don't like talking about politics at work because I think it's offensive. I don't think its professional either to openly display what you support if you work in an office setting with your own cubicle. I go to work to make a paycheque and leave. I'm not there to make a political statement. People decorate their work station like it's their home or bedroom with their views and I find that kind of odd.
The same that you do in here - block the blockhead. But in real life blocking is telling them to shut the fuck up and that you don't want to hear it.

Make her uncomfortable when she does.
If she talks about a topic that brings down the mood of the room, it's not out of place to say "okay debbie downer" and go on about your work.
More than likely others agree with you emotionally that it's annoying. Like I've found myself in similar situations to where I had coworkers tell me later "I'm soooo glad you said something because I've been thinking it all day"
I tell the person i have no interess in politics. If they keep going, they have three chances in total. Am from Iraq, i am christian, i live in Sweden now, i work as a chef, am a gamer and have a garden full with plants, veggies and flowers i would not shut up for the next 7 months. Bore them out roo
Try join in and get amongst it, anyone can find a interest in certain parts of politics. It's also very healthy for a democracy to discuss politics, because these days a lot of people vote and don't actually know what they're voting for they're just voting this colour or that colour.
Though everyone has their different opinions, listening to and sharing your own opinions might change the way you or they think about certain topics.
But the key to get him to stop talking about politics is to talk about what this guy wants to for abit and go with the conversation and after a minute or two then just casually drift off topic on to something else, make him believe it's still him conversation. It's easier to drift off on to a subtopic of what he's talking about and then drift again on to a sub topic of that and by that time you're he's talking about something else. Always do that and eventually he'll talk about a wider range of topics
Quickly and precise, like lightning, punch them in the Trachea and gently lay their head sideways as if they fell asleep and youâre simply adjusting for their comfort⌠well I my mind anyway, if I canât act out on it.
If any other way I can get away with, a death stare without blinking will suffice until they hush. It mostly works for those that flap their gums about it.
You respect her first amendment rights and move on. As long as she is not violating the law or company policy, she can say whatever she wants. You do not have to engage her. If you tell her to not discuss politics WITH you and she continues, then you might have a harassment claim. Notice I said WITH you, not AROUND you. You are not the police of whatever others talk about that does not involve you. However, if it does involve you, THEN you have a right to have your boundaries respected.
Her coworker needs to be mindful and respectful of others. Not every one is the same. Also her coworker is way to much she gets paid for getting the job done and accomplished every day project task her coworker doesn't get paid to talk about politics.
@Alwayreckles93 Does not matter if everyone is the same way or not. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution does not have an exception for people's feelings getting hurt. The workplace can make a policy to not discuss politics in the interest of business, but outside of that OP would be out of luck. The only other avenue she has is IF the coworker drags her into the conversation, which then becomes harassment. Outside of that, OP just needs to be the bigger person. If you try to cater to everyone's feelings, nobody would be able to say a single word. As long as her coworker is not violating a work policy and as long as the coworker is not involving OP, OP needs to mind her own business. Free speech should not be filtered to pander to one person's fragile emotions.
To put it another way, if OP is not in the conversation then it is not up to her what others talk about.
Here is the thing she claims that her coworker will not shut up about politics. Which is very disrespectful on so many levels , It say every one is free to its own believes and opinion not force political views on other people, Which Seems to be something her coworker is doing. And last thing I know the coworker was higher to get her work done not to discuss politics, I don't think in the job application said discussing politics was the description of the application. The coworker is getting paid to work not discuss politics.
Generally I think that you are an idiot and a flake but in this case I completely agree with you. People shouldn't talk politics, religion, social justice or anything contentious while in the office. Nobody wants to hear it. We just want to work and go home
I had coworkers like that. They would go on ad nausem how great Trump was. Wave the Trump flag in my face (literally) and literally threaten me "Either you vote for Trump or your body will be found in a ravine with a hole in my head"... I quit the place of employment - but they made malicious lies about me to discredit my character because I wouldn't drink the koolaid. And still they keep on "supporting the lie".
This is why I stay away from crazy super annoying political people. Only thing I can suggest is change the subject, but people like her will never shut up ranting about the same things over and over 😰😨. At work I'd try to avoid that woman at all costs.
Well is she actually disturbing you while you work? Cause if she is you may want to talk to HR or your boss.
Cause if you're underperforming because this co worker is distracting I'm sure no one like that. I mean it's the same as two friends goofing off in the office. Except in this situation it's not fun.
Maybe recommend she pursues a career in politics instead of prattling on about it. She seems cut out for it
I have this situation at work. My coworker would go on political rants all the time. I got really tired of hearing them after a while, especially since he actually had no clue what he was talking about and would contradict Himself all the time. He would try to engage me all the time. I started politely saying I'm trying to focus on my work. After a while I bought a pair of noise cancelling headphones, and would put them on my head whenever he would start to go off so that I didn't have to hear him.
I would ask them one to one in a casual way first. Like, grab coffee and bring them one and just say âugh, Iâm done with politics. I need a break from the world. Hey, could we not discuss that stuff when weâre here? Just thinking about how divided everyone is ha been really distracting for me at work. Could you help me out by not bringing it up, I really appreciate you and know you get it.â
all you can do is walk away those people never let it go. or go with South park reference and putta d*ck in their mouths...
My work threatened to suspend us if we bring up politics, lmao
I wish mine would do that
Yeah, after a few heated arguments, they made that rule
Itâs their freedom of speech. As long as they arenât harming anyone with what theyâre saying thereâs nothing much you can really do than ignore them
What about disrupting the work place?
If she is talking specifically to you. Tell her that you have no interest of her political views. Otherwise you must let it be. She has the right to talk to anyone she wants about anything she wants.
But her coworker got hire to get her job done and accomplished task at her job. She does not get paid to talk about politics.
choose the opposite side and her, tell me what it is, and I will tell you what to say , Liberals' raise taxes, money out of your pocket to pay for the pandemic NDP just suck all around Green party, pretty self explanatory Conservatives, just go to work, best choice available
Just stare at them with a look of disgust and confusion, any time they ask u about it just be like â😬 I just feel so sad for youâ and thatâs all u gotta say every time it will drive her mad lolol
That is for us an HR thing.
Politics, Religion etc is straight to HR for them to manage along with the persons line manager,
I really don't want to start an issue.
@Subarugirl agreed, we put it in originally because of Brexit.
Have a talk to her and her line manager.
Itâs about making people realise you canât just talk about certain topics that trigger or annoy others
Well her manager is the Office manger and they generally agree and will talk about it together. I am out numbered lol
@Subarugirl this is why we moved it to HR, as often it got too political.
Although one of the guys found having a discussion on I think it was animal sex worked.
They complained about the conversation and it was, you stop yours and we stop ours.
Just be polite & honest. Tell her i am actually really & genuinely not interested in politics or your views. It bores me to death and I cannot bother. Its ok to hate politics lmao.
Probably her plan to get one of you to snap, so she can claim to be the victim.
Record her a few times, and take them to HR or senior management as a formal complaint.
Let her talk itâs her right to speak her mind and opinions.
But just because thereâs words coming out of her mouth doesnât mean I gotta listen to em.
Wow your coworker is way to much and annoying. I guess no one teach her the in public we don't speak about religion or politics.
How does she still have a job? Lmao
The best way to deal with these people is pretend they donât exist and do your jobâŚ
I'll probably just occasionally, boredly acknowledged them.
"yep... uh huh... sure... orly?"
I just wanna get my job done
Take a tip from Woody.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/JCraOWE5jQQGo to HR and discuss it, how it makes you feel uncomfortable and if applicable, that they can come off as hostile
Easy, tell them u don't give a fuck because the government is corrupted regardless. So no matter what we're fucked in SO many ways
If sheâs a conservative I donât blame her, the left is destroying this country and arenât even hiding it anymore
As a conservative on a very liberal campus with marxist teachers I just am public with my liberal opinions and just quietly agree with whatever elese they say. Try to avoid the most politcal people and talk to someone else
I know how you feel I have a house mate who won't shut up about covid being a hoax. I ended up cracking and telling him to shut up. I've had enough of hearing it. Sorry not much of help but feel better after.
I'm in the construction industry, so most of us only chat about potential sexual escapades and weekend plans.
You have to ignore them. That's all you can do unless you report her as causing a hostile work environment.
It's not appropriate to discuss politics at work, at least not on an ongoing basis. Politely tell her you would rather your discussions be limited to work matters and areas of common interest.
Ignore them because they're fishing for people to hate.
You could just directly ask them to talk about something else?
I'd ignore them, I don't have an interest in politics so I would not converse with someone who only talks about that.
Make it clear you're not interested in the conversation and avoid them.
Tell her you're not paid to listen to her political views. Shut the fuck up also works.
Depends on the work environment, is she getting political shit from someone else there?
Maybe try talking with her directly about it. Donât be rude, just let her know whatâs on your mind in an open and candid manner. Make it clear to her that you think bringing up political issues at work is inappropriate.
Just troll them. Say you voted for Vermin Supreme. Then when they ask who that is look him up on YouTube.
@Subarugirl Kill them. You're a Women so the law is very lenient with you, easily get community service at worst.
You know the most stupidest people have the biggest Chins!!
Just say oh wow ya oh wow really okay ttyl..
The solution is simple.
Tell her:
"Don't be a dumb bitch! Now shut the fuck up!!!"
Tell her straight in her face "I don't have any desire to talk about politics. Change the topic or remain silent"
Ask her what she's really mad about, that she's so angry all of the time. Dems usually have something underlying.
"Sorry, but I don't care about political topics. I think they are usually bullshit."
This was a line I used on of my coworkers when they didnât shut up âYou got any work today?â
You could ask. If she's not cooperative you could bring it up to your boss and then HRm
Just be open and upfront that it makes you uncomfortable. Don't be abrasive unless she refuses to listen. If it continues then take it up with a boss or higher managment
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