Gossip usually begins when there's somebody in the office who on some level feels utterly powerless. For this individual to feel better and gain a degree of control, highly dubious information and outright lies are circulated about an innocent victim. Questions and innuendos slowly but surely take on lives of their own as they get circulated around the water cooler. Gossip can do irreparable harm to somebody's career. There are ways to put a stop to this before it starts.
Refuse to Participate in Office Gossip
When overhearing juicy details about another person's life it's tempting to join in the conversation. Resist the urge to get involved in this unproductive and harmful behavior. Even if you continue to stand nearby without saying anything, other employees who are slinging dirt will think you're a willing contributor. An effective way for people to send the message that they're not interested in gossip is to smile politely and say they've got work to do. Another tactic is to steer the chatter back to matters relating to work when the gossip ventures into destructive territory.
Forge Strong Relationships at Work
Lead by example and treat each employee with respect. Help out around the office and be the person everyone can rely on. It will be easy for others to avoid falling into this trap when they see somebody is actively discouraging office gossip. Managers can try to arrange social activities — drinks after work, Christmas parties, etc. Creating an environment of goodwill will be easier if the company is small or mid-sized.
Keep Everyone Up to Date About What's Going on at Work
Bosses and human resources departments need to be vigilant about this. All the employees should be in the loop about a company's internal affairs. When people know what's happening and what's about to happen, there will be less of a tendency to manufacture rumors. Accurate information can be passed on by posting a memo on a bulletin board, sending inter-office emails or sitting down in a face-to-face meeting.
Try a Direct Confrontation
Employees can go straight to the source of the gossip and ask that the guilty party cease repeating slanderous comments. The office is where people come to earn a living, and nobody has the right to dream up and share the most bitter and spiteful opinions about somebody's life that probably aren't based in reality. Victims can go directly to the boss, who would prevent the gossip from continuing if the emotional well-being and productivity of the staff are of paramount importance.
Gossip is nothing more than hot air, but it can do serious damage to morale. It's part of human nature and serves to bind people together, even if it's for negative reasons. Whether it's fueled by anger, confusion about what's happening at work or just plain boredom, senior management needs to step in and put a stop to gossip before people get hurt. Employees will risk losing their popularity by not getting involved, but they will be the ones who are respected in the long run.
Scott Hayden - Since joining Suite101 in early 2007, I've contributed articles about travel, history and health. My speciality is writing about workplace ...
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