Gossip in the Workplace
Alice Tutunjian
We all face gossip in some form or another in the workplace. Our advice? Stay out and stay neutral.
It’s important to remain professional in the workplace. You don’t want to be seen hanging out with the office gossip-monger or with the small gossip clicks, or worse repeating unfounded rumors you hear through the “grapevine”. Gossip can have negative consequences and even destroy relationships.
Sometimes it’s hard to avoid being privy to gossip in the workplace. So even if you hear it, don’t repeat it. As the old adage goes “there’s always two-sides to a story and then there’s the truth”.
If employees constantly gossip to you about other employees or managers and spread unfounded rumors, try using these techniques:
Situation: Two colleagues are not getting along, and one of them wants to drag you into the argument and starts gossiping about the other party.
Response Option 1: “I wish I could help, but this is between the two of you. I would suggest that you speak with her directly to come up with a solution together as I have never had an issue with her”.
Response Option 2: “I am not qualified to help out with this problem. Have you considered the option of consulting with your manager or HR”?
Response Option 3: “Why don’t you file a formal written complaint with HR”? (This suggestion will stop them dead in their tracks because majority of the time they realize they are being petty and don’t want to make an official complaint)
What if the gossip is about you?
Situation: Let’s say that Jane in the research department is spreading rumors about you; rumors which can damage your reputation. What do you do?
Ask Jane out to lunch, or take her aside and try this dialogue.
Response: “It has been brought to my attention that you are spreading rumors about my relationship with my boss. Jane responds: “I don’t know what you’re talking about”.
You: “Jane, I really want to discuss this matter directly with you without going to my boss and HR, and I’d really appreciate your cooperation. It’s important to me that we have a good working relationship. I am asking you to stop gossiping about me. If you agree, I am willing to put this behind us. Do we have deal?”
When dealing with gossip, getting upset and attacking the person rarely has a positive outcome. Always attempt to have a professional conversation first with the individual. Sometimes you might ask the person to meet you away from the office, such as at a restaurant or in the outdoors since a neutral space may help defuse the situation.
If you have issues with a colleague, always discuss the problem directly with her, never behind her back.
More Good Reads about Gossip in the Workplace
How to Avoid Workplace Gossip & Negativity byLori Soard
In article titled How to Avoid Workplace Gossip & Negativity, Lori Soard of Demand Media advises “If your workplace is one where the workers gather around the water cooler to exchange juicy gossip tidbits, it can create tension for everyone. Learning to avoid workplace gossip and the resulting negativity is vital to focusing on your work and being more productive”…read more
How to Avoid Getting Taken In by the Office Gossip by John Boitnott
“It can be tempting to listen in on office gossip but to do so puts your career at risk. Although work may be frustrating for you at times, it's best not to indulge in the exchange of incendiary workplace stories, even if it helps you cope with your frustrations. The best thing to do is disassociate yourself from the person and try to defuse any gossip when you find yourself unable to get away” shares John Boitnott. Check more of his great advice….read more
Bullet Points on How to Avoid Gossip in the Workplace by Mika Lo
Like many advisors, Mika Lo communicates “No workplace is immune to it and most workplaces are ideal incubators for it. Some workplace rumor mills rival the efficiency and accuracy of top tabloids. Besides ruining the reputations of its targets and purveyors, gossip is an infamous destroyer of workplace cohesion and productivity. Avoiding workplace gossip is difficult, but worth the effort”…read more
Other Links
What to Do About Gossip in the Workplace? by Janice Corbin and Janet May
How Can I Stop Gossiping at Work? byAlison Green
How to Avoid Workplace Gossip Problems and Maintain a Great Culture by Shellie Price
5 Steps To Stop Gossip in the Workplace and Increase Productivity by Janice Celeste