We have a new guy at our office who several times a day makes a funny remark or joke. Unfortunately his jokes are about as funny as small talk is interesting and I am not sure how I should react.
I surely don't want to encourage him to go on with his jokes so I wouldn't want to pretend being amused.
However, ignoring him or even telling him to stop would be very rude.
From the reactions of my other co-workers I can tell that they feel much the same way but with everyone ignoring his jokes he only tries harder.
I am of course aware that his joking is mostly due to being the new guy. It is really obvious (to me) that he is trying hard to be well-liked. But that doesn't go very well.
The jokes make me feel uneasy around him, which creates a distracting environment that interferes with work and creates tension between him and others.
I need a respectful but firm way to speak to him and ask him to change his behavior without alienating him.