Office gossip is pretty much guaranteed — how else are people supposed to get through eight hours of menial work without falling asleep?
However, it’s not very nice when you’re the one being talked about, especially if you’re someone who tends to keep to themselves and stays out of drama. So, how do you know if all the rumours and gossip are all about you? Keep your eyes peeled for these signs.
1. Conversations abruptly stop when you approach.
You’ve noticed a pattern: as you walk towards a group of coworkers, their animated discussion suddenly dies down. This sudden hush is often a clear sign that you might have been the subject of their chat. Pay attention to how frequently this occurs and with which groups of colleagues to get a better sense of the situation.
2. You catch people glancing at you more often than usual.
If you find yourself on the receiving end of frequent, furtive glances from your coworkers, it could be a sign that you’re a hot topic of conversation. These looks might be accompanied by whispers or meaningful expressions exchanged between colleagues. While it’s not definitive proof, an increase in such behaviour is worth noting.
3. Your colleagues seem to know things about you that you haven’t shared.
Have you been surprised by coworkers mentioning details about your personal life or work that you’re certain you haven’t discussed with them? This could mean that people are talking about you. If information is circulating without your knowledge, it’s likely that you’re a subject of office gossip.
4. There’s a noticeable change in how people interact with you.
A sudden shift in the way your colleagues treat you can be telling. This might manifest as increased friendliness, unexpected coldness, or awkward behaviour. If multiple people start acting differently around you simultaneously, it could suggest that something has been said about you in your absence.
5. You’re excluded from social gatherings or meetings you’d normally attend.
Finding yourself left out of lunch invitations, after-work drinks, or even work-related meetings that you’d typically be part of can be a red flag. This exclusion might mean that you’re being discussed in these settings, and some colleagues feel uncomfortable having you present.
6. Coworkers quickly change the subject when you join their conversation.
If you notice that the topic of discussion abruptly shifts when you approach a group of chatting colleagues, it might be because they were talking about you. This swift change of subject, especially if it happens repeatedly, could be a sign that you’re a frequent topic of office conversation.
7. You overhear your name being mentioned in hushed tones.
One of the most obvious signs is actually hearing your name spoken in lowered voices. If you catch snippets of conversation featuring your name, followed by quick silences or subject changes when you’re noticed, it’s a red flag that you’re being talked about behind your back.
8. There’s an increase in workplace gossip overall.
A general uptick in office gossip can sometimes mean you’re caught in the crosshairs. If the workplace atmosphere has become more rumour-filled, and you sense tension or secrecy, it’s possible that you’re one of the subjects being discussed. Be aware of the overall mood and communication patterns in your office.
9. You receive vague or conflicting information about work-related matters.
If you find yourself receiving inconsistent information about projects, deadlines, or office policies, it could be a sign that people are talking about you. This confusion might stem from different versions of events or instructions being circulated, with you as the central figure in these discussions.
10. Your work is suddenly under increased scrutiny.
An unexpected surge in attention to your work, especially if it feels nitpicky or unfair, might mean that you’re being talked about. This could manifest as more frequent check-ins from your manager, unexpected peer reviews, or colleagues questioning your methods more than usual.
11. People react oddly to your social media posts.
If your coworkers follow you on social media, pay attention to their reactions to your posts. Unusual comments, an increase in likes from colleagues who don’t typically engage with your content, or references to your posts in the office could suggest that your online presence is a topic of workplace discussion.
12. You notice an increase in workplace cliques forming.
The formation or strengthening of cliques in the office, especially if you feel excluded from them, might be a sign that you’re a topic of conversation. These groups might be sharing information or opinions about you, leading to a more divided workplace atmosphere.
13. Colleagues seem to know about your future plans before you’ve announced them.
If you haven’t shared your intentions to apply for a promotion, transfer to another department, or take time off, but your coworkers seem to be in the know, it’s likely that you’re being discussed. This could mean that someone with inside information is sharing your personal or professional plans with other people.
14. Your body language is being mirrored more than usual.
An increase in colleagues mimicking your gestures, phrases, or mannerisms could be a sign that you’re a frequent topic of conversation. This mirroring might be done consciously or unconsciously, but often points to people paying close attention to your behaviour and discussing it with others in the office.
15. You receive conflicting feedback about your performance or behaviour.
If you’re getting mixed messages about how you’re doing at work or how you’re seen by other people, it could mean that different groups are talking about you. These varying opinions might stem from discussions happening in your absence, with different interpretations of your actions or performance being shared.
16. There’s a sudden interest in your personal life from unexpected quarters.
When colleagues who’ve never shown much interest in your life outside of work start asking personal questions, it might be because you’ve become a topic of office conversation. This curiosity could stem from rumours or discussions about your private life that have piqued their interest.
17. You sense an atmosphere of secrecy or discomfort when certain topics arise.
If you notice a palpable tension or awkwardness when specific subjects come up in conversation, especially if they relate to you or your work, it could mean that these topics have been discussed extensively when you’re not around. Their discomfort might manifest as averted gazes, nervous laughter, or quick changes of subject, and that doesn’t make you feel very good, either.
