Talking to colleagues when commuting?

[GodAtum]

If you saw a work colleague on the same train on your way to work would you go and say hi?

 

[Nym]

Yep, even when its my department's director...

 

[EM2]

I always at least say hello. We may have a conversation if we feel like it.

 

[Daniel]

Seeing as I commute on my own company's services, generally, yes, unless the have headphones on, when it's just a polite nod, or if the other party happens to be driving a train, in which case it's a wave.

 

[Hyphen]

Not trains but on the buses when I was living in Sheffield I'd sometimes see colleagues on the bus in the mornings. Dependent on how well I knew them in the organisation* I'd sit with them for a chat, but those I'm less familiar with I'd at least say a good morning to. Not a big morning person though so I often chose to sit by myself and listen to music...!

* I worked in IT in a private hospital so you kinda got to recognise everyone in the building even if you didn't work too closely with them; most departments otherwise kept themselves to themselves!

 

[Roverman]

I would. If they wanted to be left alone they would say so.

 

[trentside]

I will always say hello when I'm travelling by train - given that I work for my local TOC, I often know the staff working the trains. With some colleagues it's just a quick hello but others will often stop for a chat if they have time. I occasionally use another TOCs services in uniform and often find their guards are keen to have a chat - "we're all in it together" and all that!

 

[SS4]

No, because I'm an antisocial* git and if I have to pretend to be nice and interested I may as well be paid for it

* As in the literal sense of the work.

 

[Bald Rick]

Self and Chief Planner can occasionally be seen (and heard) ex St Albans...

 

[tsr]

Occasionally, one will find me talking (generally in a loud and very nerdy manner) with a fellow enthusiast or someone else who I so happen to have bumped into. Certainly, if I know someone I see on the train or at a station, I will at the very least say hello, unless I see they're asleep, of course!

I will also sometimes have a chat with any railway staff if they know me (when they are not otherwise engaged in their duties).

 

[jopsuk]

Some of them I do, some I actively pick a different carriage...

 

[scotsman]

Probably. Not that I know of any colleagues that commute by train.

When it comes to my voluntary work, I ducked when a certain Train Manager got on my local train!

 

[Tomonthetrain]

I sometimes did on the bus with someone from the desk opposite mine until they got a car for their commute. Last time we did it together was when NX had a Volvo B10B on a what was B10L operated route. That was 4 years ago.

 

[90019]

If I talk to them at work, yes.

 

[DiscoStu]

Only if it was a close colleague. I wouldn't walk over and chat to somebody whom I've passed on the stairs once or twice.

 

[dvboy]

Depends who. There are some I'd rather avoid. Thankfully not many of my colleagues have the same commute.

 

[JGR]

95%+ of the people who use the bus I get to work, also work at the same site as me, and just under half work for the same company.
I probably have a conversation on the bus twice a month or less, and it's generally with the same person each time.

(In the warmer months I tend to cycle, so there's no chance of awkward conversations there :P).

 

[Tomonthetrain]

Only if it was a close colleague. I wouldn't walk over and chat to somebody whom I've passed on the stairs once or twice.

I find those who I meet on the stairs once or twice are good for info, especially if you know they work in a department that work affects your department

 

[Clip]

I try to either get some work done or read the paper. I'm not averse to speaking to colleagues but I can't really say no given my position and should there ever be anyone from my company or RUGs or passengers then I'm more than obliged to when its during working hours.

Outside of work then I'm not so keen but still do just to be pleasant