I'm struggling with a coworker in her late 50s who talks constantly and is very nosy, and it makes it nearly impossible to focus on my work. I've learned (from her) that this job is her only social outlet and she's lonely. I've tried politely asking her to stop talking while I'm trying to work and suggested we talk during breaks, but she hasn't taken the hint. No one else seems to be bothered by her chatter, so what can I do?

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I’ve had a chatty office neighbors too, and it’s so hard to stay on track when deadlines are breathing down your neck. I ended up putting on headphones - didn’t even play music, just used them as a polite ‘do not disturb’ sign. It helped a lot without hurting anyone’s feelings.

Since you’ve already politely tried asking her to stop and it hasn’t worked, would you be comfortable telling her more sternly that you enjoy speaking with her, but you’re not someone who can talk off topic and be productive, especially with deadlines to complete your tasks so if she’s going to talk to you, don’t be offended if you don’t respond. I experienced the same and when I was more stern and direct, the person finally became mindful of how much of an interruption she was being. If that doesn’t help, maybe bring it to your superior’s attention so they are aware and can handle if you are comfortable and work at a firm where they take complaints like that serious.

Headphones or the noise cancelling ear plugs like, Loop, could be an option too. If she approaches you while you have them in, you can take one out and say something like “I didn’t hear what you said. I have these in so I can focus on my work.”. Hopefully that would help her take the hint.

You can Ask your manager if there is another space where you could work where you will not be disturbed.

Completely agree with this. Take it higher.

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