Dear Queenie,
I’m a receptionist in a business office and I also type letters and reports and do other administrative work. People often have to wait a while for the person they came to see and when that happens sometimes instead of moving away and sitting down they stay by my desk and chat.
This distracts me from my work, but also they can clearly see and/or hear whatever I am doing, which is sometimes confidential.
Queenie, how do I get them to move away without being rude?—Polite employee
Dear Employee,
You smile and say, “Please excuse me, but I have to get this work done right away. Would you mind sitting over there (I assume there are comfortable chairs in the waiting area!) while you wait?” And try to keep confidential material covered or turned face down while they are hanging around.
Also, suggest to your boss that some sort of barrier – a counter or railing, perhaps – be placed around your desk to keep visitors at a slight distance.
