Mark’s coworker, Jenn, went on maternity leave in 2023 and continued to work from home afterward. Mark took over her office, which was significantly better than his previous loud cubicle.
In 2025, the company recalled all employees back to the office. Jenn returned and asked Mark to move out so she could have her old office back. Mark refused, and HR ultimately sided with Mark, allowing him to keep the private office.
The Twist
The entire team started gossiping, assuming Jenn was on her way to fight for the office and “take her office back.” However, when Jenn arrived, she closed the door and revealed to Mark that she didn’t actually want the office.
Jenn explained that HR had already approved her continued remote work arrangement, and she only came in to clear her personal belongings. She grabbed her old inbox tray, said, “All yours,” and walked out.
The Aftermath
Despite the situation being resolved and Jenn clearly stating she was fine with the outcome, the coworkers continued to whisper. Mark was left in the middle of the gossip, with the team convinced he either “pushed her out” or that Jenn had pulled some secret move on management. Mark concluded by asking how to deal with the undeserved “bad guy” reputation.
The article provided several tips for Mark to handle the gossip:
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Disseminate the “Boring Truth”: Casually and neutrally mention that Jenn had a remote arrangement approved by HR and only came in to collect her things.
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Be Friendly, Not Defensive: If confronted, respond with a light laugh and a short, neutral statement like, “Nah, HR sorted it way before she even showed up.”
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Stay Unbothered: Continue to act normal, sit in the office, and do work to avoid appearing guilty or awkward.
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Separate Yourself from the Drama: Remind himself that the situation was created by HR, and the gossip was created by bored coworkers, meaning the stress is not his to own or fix.
