snotty office staff

[rdsxfnrn]

not sure what it is, but the office staff here is particularly snotty. i know i am not here to make friends etc, but i do have to interact with them throughout the day....... i feel uncomfortable using the microwave or getting water. they are also the ones that keep track of where i am at any particular moment........ any suggestions, besides talking with them/supervisor? i am new and they have all been here........ this is the only fly in the ointment.......

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

No real good advice here, but maybe it will get better. It could be that you are new and no one likes change...maybe give it a little time and see if it improves (not sure how long you've been there). On the Friday of my first week here I brought bagels for the office staff, which really helped to break the ice. Also if you are really slow, you might ask if there is anything you can help with...stuffing envelopes or anything. Learn how to answer the phones and help out when they are busy (of course, unless you have students to care for, kids come first).

I know it seems like "why should I make the effort if they don't", but my theory is that the only person you can control is yourself. Since they don't seem to want to take steps to make the working relationship better, maybe if you take some steps it will "catch on". Even if not, they will just end up looking foolish for being snotty to someone who is trying to feed them :)

[safarirn]

Be polite and give it time. You can't FORCE niceness. And I think if you drag them in for a meeting, it might make tensions higher.

I also highly recommend bringing in baked goods.

It took me 5 months before I really felt a 'friendship' with the girls in the office. Like you, I thought my office was mean & unaccepting of me, 'the new girl.' I just let snippy comments roll off me & continued to do my job. Eventually they came around. Now I feel not only RESPECTED, but GENUINELY LIKED by my office staff.

Don't try to force it, give it time.

[bergren]

I agree with previous posts. Nice them to death. Ask about their kids, vacations, their weekends. Compliment them on their attire, purses, etc.

Cookies, chocolate - go for it.

You are coming into a "family", it takes time.

[lilbit86]

This was sort of a problem at one of my schools. After a month or so they warmed up; I was just my normal friendly self.

[rdsxfnrn]

thanks all..... guess i need patience!

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

the prev posters took the words from my mouth.

You don't have to be bff's with them but it does make work a little nicer if you can develop a rapport. Extend the olive branch and Kill 'em with kindness and when in doubt, bribe 'em with food.