Have you passed by the breakroom or water cooler and seen a few employees speaking in a low, calm tone? Then, those individuals are likely engaged in workplace gossiping.
What is Gossip?
A workplace "gossip" is a form of bullying or harassment where an individual talks negatively about someone's traits, personal life, or work tasks behind their backs.
According to Dr. Robin Dunbar, author of "Grooming, Gossip, and the Evolution of Language," it is a type of social grooming that enhances social bonding within groups and can boost someone's reputation at the expense of others.
What are the Dangers of Gossip?
Workplace gossip can become serious, especially when the person spreading it holds significant power over the person receiving it. Here are some adverse outcomes of workplace gossip:
- Impact on Recipient: When the gossiper influences the subject of the gossip, the negative consequences may result in emotional distress, professional harm, or strained relationships.
- Erosion of Trust: Workplace gossip can contribute to a decline in trust in the workplace, especially when influential individuals are involved.
- Workplace Culture: Gossip can foster an environment of suspicion and tension.
- Productivity and Morale: Employees may feel unsafe and distracted by workplace rumors that may disrupt productivity and lower their morale.
- Professional Reputations: Gossip can tarnish professional reputations, impacting employees' careers and future opportunities.
- Team Dynamics: Gossip can strain relationships and reduce collaboration among team members.
- Emotional Impact: Employees may experience heightened anxiety and tension, leading to a less optimistic and productive workplace.
- Legal and Ethical Concerns: Workplace gossip may raise legal and ethical concerns, especially if it involves false information or discriminatory remarks.
- Communication Breakdown: Gossip can contribute to a breakdown in open and honest communication within the workplace.
How Employers Can Address Workplace Gossip?
Employee gossip is unavoidable, but addressing persistent and harmful workplace gossip is crucial, as it can result in lower job satisfaction, productivity, employee morale, and retention.
Begin by assessing the intent, truthfulness, and potential impact of workplace gossip on the individual or the company. While some gossip may be harmless, fostering connections among coworkers and providing insights into office dynamics is essential to gauge its positive or negative effects and act accordingly.
Malicious Gossip
Gossip can be considered harassment, discrimination, retaliation, slander, or defamation if an employee purposefully disseminates false information. You are responsible for seeing if the worker violates any nondiscrimination or anti-harassment guidelines and imposing appropriate sanctions to create a welcoming and safe work environment.
Privacy Concerns
Remind all staff members to respect one another's privacy, particularly concerning personal information and health issues. Check if an employee broke the confidentiality policy if they revealed private information about clients, customers, or the business.
Workplace Issues
Engage workers in conversation about justifiable workplace concerns so you can examine allegations of discrimination, bullying, retaliation, harassment, and other problems. Pay attention to all input since it may result in improvements that raise employee satisfaction and lower attrition.
