Dear Annie: My co-worker talks too much. Should I go to HR?

Dear Annie: I just saw your advice regarding a co-worker who talks too much, and your advice was to go to human resources.

I have a degree in human resources and would advise your reader to try to have a conversation with the employee first, as this may open the door to communication between the two of them. The writer only stated she is not engaging and is more annoyed.

Maybe that is why the co-worker keeps trying to engage in a conversation. If the conversation between the two of them doesn’t solve the issue, then their manager would be the next step, and then HR.

There is a chain of command in the workplace that facilitates great relationships. I am sure you would rather a co-worker approach you with a problem rather than go straight to HR. — Works in HR

Dear HR: I always love hearing from professionals in their fields. Thank you for your letter. You bring up a great point, especially for issues in large corporations. Many smaller businesses with fewer employees than yours don’t always have the same type of chain of command.

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“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].