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Complaining Coworker: When a fired friend won't stop nagging

by EPI Staff on February 24, 2010

Q:My coworker got laid off, and now all she wants to do is trash talk our company.  I still love my job.  How do I support her without joining the bashing.

A:Your friend’s negativity is a natural reaction to stress.  Listen to her concerns; you don’t have to agree or disagree.  Steer the conversation toward her job search, and provide contacts if you can.  Every few weeks, check in to offer encouragement.  Plan get-togethers that are pure fun — a manicure, or a movie — and not gripe sessions over coffee.

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