Social Interruptions

Co-worker related interruptions

Sometimes co-workers may interrupt you to socialize or when they need a break.  They may want to talk about a recent sporting game or vacation, for example.  However, you are at your job to work, so you must be careful about these types of interruptions. 

It is normal and polite to make small talk on occasion during an unscheduled break for one or two minutes. 

After a minute or two, you should go back to your work.  You should not engage in small talk at many different times throughout the day during your unscheduled breaks.  A few times is fine, but after that, you are probably spending too much time away from your work. 

If someone interrupts your work to make small talk and you are too busy to talk, you may politely excuse yourself from the conversation.  You could do this by saying, "I’m a little busy right now. Can we talk about this over lunch?" or "I have a lot of work to do right now.  Let’s talk about this after work today." Remember to keep your voice upbeat and look the person in the eye.

	Social Interruptions Cue Card

Here are some polite things you can say when you don’t have time to make "small talk:"

"I’m a little busy now, but I would like to talk about this at lunch."
"Let me finish what I am doing, and then we can talk."
"Can I have a little time? I just need to focus on this."
"I want to chat more later."
"I have a lot of work right now.  Let’s talk about this later."
"Can we talk about this over lunch?"

Here are some inappropriate, rude responses to small talk attempts:

"Please leave me alone."
"I don’t want to talk right now."
"Not now."
"I am trying to work."
"Be quiet."
"Stop talking to me."

When you are trying to be polite, it is not only WHAT you say, but HOW you say it.  Make sure you use a pleasant tone of voice, rather than one that sounds irritated.  Here is the same sentence, but delivered in two different tones of voice. Can you tell the difference between the two? The first person sounds pleasant and polite. The second person sounds irritated.  Yet they said the same thing!

Personal phone conversations, texting and personal social media activities

You might get interrupted by your phone ringing, receiving a text message, email or social media post.  All these are private activities that should be avoided at work or done during your official breaks during the day.  If it is a personal emergency you can answer your phone or text back and make any arrangements necessary.  In case it takes longer or you need to step out we advise that you inform your co-worker and later clarify the situation with your supervisor. 

In general, all private communications, phone or social media, should be done in your work break time. 

It is polite to stop what you are doing to respond to small talk for one to two minutes (or less). After one to two minutes, politely excuse yourself and get back to work. Polite excuses include: “I’m a little busy now, but would like to talk about this later.” “Can we talk about this at lunch? I need to finish this up?”   Remember to use a friendly tone of voice and smile.  You can socialize for longer periods during your scheduled break times.  That way, you are able to socialize and get your work done. All private communications, phone calls, texting, email or social media, should be done in your free time or breaks.  If important, take a few minutes to take care of it but inform your co-worker and supervisor if you need to step away from your desk and why.