First, let's look at a few of the situations or circumstances that cause drama in the workplace.

• Physical Proximity: We all know how difficult it can be to have people situated right on top of one another. This can be a huge stress factor causing drama within the work place.


• Age: Generational gaps can provide for some interesting misunderstandings and commotion as well.


• Gender: We all know that men and women differ greatly, but gender can play a huge role in providing excitement at work.


• Personality differences: Clashes in personality can stir up quite a show.


• Differences in values: Be mindful of others beliefs. Hurt feelings can quickly provide tensions and tragedy within the workplace.


• Change: Change is hard for many, be mindful, positive and helpful to avoid conflict during situations of great change.


• Insecurity: Personal insecurity is a great starter for workplace to-dos.


• Home Issues: When things happen at home, it can interfere with our work. Be mindful of individuals that may have stressful home environments.

Next, let's look at some helpful tips to avoid the office drama.

• Keep focused. Those individuals that keep themselves busy with work instead of what everyone else is doing are far less likely to be drawn into the commotion taking place.


• Change topics. You can always be supportive of those that have a tendency to be dramatic, but when things start to get out of hand, the best way to help calm the situation is to change the topic. Bring up positive situations.


• Keep personal things private. It is one thing to share interests with those around you, but it's important to keep personal matters and problems private. Divulge that information only to your closest friends. You run the risk of becoming the office gossip if you spill the beans on what's wrong in your life.


• Resolve conflicts. Do this with those directly involved. Don't help the rumor mill move forward. Using a go-between person usually only causes more stress and usually ends up in miscommunication.


• Have a sense of humor. Learn to laugh off minor embarrassments or tricky circumstances. Your positive attitude and whimsical offloading of the situation will help others to forget as well.


• Stay away from the dramatic. If you find that the individuals in which you associate with are the ones causing all the office excitement, find a way to spend less time with them. Even if you aren't directly involved with what they chose to stir up, by association people will tend to avoid you as well. Stay out of situations that can get you into trouble.


• Don't vent. The last thing you want to do is be the person venting about others that you work with. You never know if the information will leak or be discovered. Once that happens, no one will be able to trust or want to work with you again.


• Avoid dating those you work with. Remain professional and polite. If another co-worker asks you out, you can turn them down kindly. Develop an active social life outside of work to keep you busy.


• Request a department transfer if you begin dating someone you work with, this way you won't interfere in each other's work.