My office is not a break room

[Shwa Girl]

Hey OP. You may not like my comment. Don't yell at me but,

I think they are paying you a compliment
1. your office is inviting
2. you are a nice coworker that they like to be around
3. they feel comfortable around you
4. you help to relieve their stress
5. you are good company

Don't yell at me -- just think that you are a "positive" and they want to be around a "positive"

OP, guess I should have read the rest of the responses.
Seems a couple of SCer's also think that the coworkers come in because they like you.

That's just awesome!

[Decaf]

I agreed that OP must be a real likable person. Problem is all this chit chat makes her looks like a slacker from upper management point of view too (worse if they think her gossipy or involve in office politic). Also telling supervisor about this could create problems for OP. Imagine her co-workers' reaction when they find out that OP told her supervisor about them interrupting her with non-productive visits behind their backs.

[torontogal12]

Aww you guys are all so awesome and sweet, helping me see the bright side of this situation. Thanks for the fab suggestions (and the hilarious ones too)!

My mom also had a suggestion too re: a sign. She said I should have an open/closed sign.

What about Lucy from Peanuts? The doctor is "in"

I'll let you know how the situation proceeds. I just needed to rant this morning because I could not hear another non-story when I was drowning in deadlines hahaha.

[oscarandme]

I thought as well people love your company and you are the go to person with all the answers. If you have the luxury of having a door, since your position is a writer maybe post a note saying if the door is ajar please do not disturb WRITER WRITTING . Or just mention that you feel uneasy about so much traffic in your office and would prefer to talk at breaks or let them know to please send an email you will reply when you can. Good luck hope some of these suggestions work.

My husband just said remove chair and put up curtains or block out windows...

Just found this photo: Dollar store, get a cheap Heart and you are being cute yet getting the point accross. Good right? maybe write Writer Writing on it.

[DianneS]

A trick I learned at a time management course was to talk to the person very briefly, then get up from your desk and start walking toward the door as you close the conversation. That gives the signal that the 'meeting' is over. Personally, I would carry right on out of the office and go to the washroom. Hopefully you won't have to do this every 20 minutes! LOL

[torontogal12]

I actually noticed this the other day! I'll try this more often, thanks for that!

A trick I learned at a time management course was to talk to the person very briefly, then get up from your desk and start walking toward the door as you close the conversation. That gives the signal that the 'meeting' is over. Personally, I would carry right on out of the office and go to the washroom. Hopefully you won't have to do this every 20 minutes! LOL

[GatineauGirl]

[frugalkitty]

"Otherwise, a big set of headphones might work, with or without music."

That's what I do, its good if you have the kind with a boom that looks like you may be on a conference call. Mine is rarely plugged into anything.

I've read and noticed bosses around here standing up to end a meeting. Maybe do a bit of small chat and then stand up and see if they get the hint to leave. Also make sure you don't have anything yummy and shareable on your desk like candy.

[torontogal12]

OMG I NEED THIS!!!

Today I was typing away in the zone and someone walks in. Not even a hello just starts yakking. I said "can't talk right now" and she stands there waiting for me to finish typing. I took my time. Would've said more but didn't want to lose my train of thought. Hopefully she got the point :D

[DianneS]

Check out this link (scroll down). You can put a "Quiet Please Writer At Work" bumper sticker on your office door, put a 95 x 54 cm poster on your wall....or wear an apron, t-shirt or baseball cap all with the same caption!

http://www.zazzle.ca/quiet_please_wr...44908851385834

[torontogal12]

zOMG! Love it!

check out this link (scroll). You can put a "quiet please writer at work" bumper sticker on your office door....and wear an apron, t-shirt and baseball cap wearing the same caption!

http://www.zazzle.ca/quiet_please_wr...44908851385834

[Ciel]

I agree with some kind of sign on the door, using large font and appropriate boldface.

[Sunshyne1]

shut your door....
if they knock or wave...IGNORE IT!!

no eye contact at all, don't even look up or over to the window.

if they open the door after they knock say you can't be disturbed right now they have to come back later.

office grouch is better than party girl.

[julesie-pie]

Put these in a bowl on your desk, after eating a few they will probably never come back

http://www.amazon.com/Haribo-Gummy-C...RankDescending

(spent over an hour laughing/crying reading these reviews)

[Natalka]

Came across this and thought of you!