Office Gossip is Good-- In a Way, and Here’s Why

By Jose de la Cruz | Jan 27, 2016 08:38 PM EST

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Spreading rumors is not good, no matter where it is done. But there's a constructive kind of rumor that you can engage in at the office that will produce positive results. A close circuit like the office is the place where these types of rumors are best practiced.

Let us ditch off our paradigms about rumors at the office by considering the following concepts.

1. It is only natural for you to talk about others

There is a natural tendency for humans to share secrets with one another. A study conducted in University of Amsterdam revealed that about 90 percent of conversations of office workers can be regarded as gossip.

What needs to be done is to direct this conversation in a more positive way. If you will always restrict yourself in engaging with what is called 'gossip,' you will only increase your work stress. Just be sure that all you talk about, whether it's about a person or a thing is directed towards the good and not the bad.

2. It will put others in a positive light

If constructive office gossip is practiced, it will encourage positive behaviors within the organization. So, if you talk about a certain accomplishment of a co-worker to another co-worker, this would put the concerned person in a positive light. This could even encourage your co-worker to exert more effort in his tasks so that he could also gain the respect of all the employees at the office. 

3. It facilitates the transfer of important information to all concerned

You have to face it: everything you need to know to make your work effective in the office will not come from your trainer.

This is where positive office gossip can help the newbie in your office get up to speed with all of you veterans. Positive talk will help him understand the peculiar ways in which things are done in your office. This will help him comprehend the things he needs to avoid and the things he needs to do so he will commit less mistakes.

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