How to Avoid Gossip in the Workplace

Avoiding workplace gossip is easier than it seems.

What starts as a small remark about a coworker's new relationship can quickly ignite into the kind of hushed conversation around the water cooler that we've all experienced. Because these seemingly small tidbits actually create many consequences, companies are taking control with some gossip patrol. Beth Weissenberger, CEO of a coaching company, explains the most detrimental effect of gossip: "it breeds resentment and becomes a roadblock to effective communication and collaboration." Weissenberger further explains that those who simply stand by and listen to gossip without reporting it can also suffer consequences. Avoiding gossip altogether is not only beneficial to your company but to yourself as well.

Instructions

Avoiding Gossip Begins with You

1. 

   Waiting to take your break can help you avoid gossip.

   Change your routines if they coincide with gossip sessions. If the key gossipers hang around the coffee pot in the morning, then stay away. Get your coffee earlier or later, so you won't be associated with any gossip. In the article "Dealing with Office Gossip," by Business Training Works, Inc., the consequences of just being present during gossip fests is explained: "You may be credited as the source at some later point just because you were present." Avoid negative associations by altering your routines.

2. 

   Stopping gossip before it starts can be effective.

   Change the subject to avoid gossip. Say, "Oh, I didn't know. So how did you think the meeting went today?" If the gossiper doesn't take the hint that you're uninterested, then walk away. If you don't want to seem rude, simply excuse yourself to the restroom or explain that you have a phone call to make, which are reasonable claims during the workday.

3. 

   Talking to a supervisor ensures that he hears the correct version.

   Discuss your concerns with a supervisor rather than a coworker, who may spread gossip to others. Your fellow employee may exaggerate or misinterpret your concerns, and your supervisor may hear a skewed version of the facts, instead of yours.

4. 

   Refusing to participate in gossip prevents you from inadvertently repeating it.

   Do not spread gossip under any circumstances. If you happen to overhear gossip as you're taking a restroom break, for example, don't repeat it. There can be many consequences for those who gossip, so you don't want to be considered the source. Business Training Works, Inc. describes "poor performance reviews, no pay raises, reprimands from supervisors, or possibly dismissal" as consequences for gossip. If your company has a policy for preventing gossip, you may be able to report the gossip to the appropriate person.

5. 

   Reminding others about gossip creates a positive workplace.

   Remind others to avoid gossip. Weissenberger explains that "everyone has a responsibility to remind others when they are gossiping, to establish that they're not interested in partaking in gossip, and to encourage them to go directly to the person who can do something about it." Being proactive to avoid gossip has positive results, rather than letting the gossip deteriorate your work environment.

Tips & Warnings

• When the gossip is about you, directly confront the source of the gossip by letting them know you have heard what they have been saying, and, though you were not present to hear it directly, you do not appreciate them discussing anything about you behind your back and that you would appreciate it if they would be mature enough to come to your directly with questions or comments they may have about you.

References

• "Bloomberg Businessweek"; Gossip in the Workplace; Beth Weissenberger; November 2009
• "Business Training Works, Inc.": Dealing with Office Gossip

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish