How does gossip affect the workplace

Many companies have confidentiality clauses that prevent employees, and especially members of management from disclosing sensitive information to others. If a supervisor or manager discloses confidential information about an employee that contributes to workplace gossip, they can face disciplinary action or termination.

Some companies have even enacted zero-tolerance policies on workplace gossip. Violating this policy can also result in disciplinary action. If an employee perceives the workplace gossip as harassment or defamation of character, she could file a lawsuit against the company.

If you are approached with workplace gossip, set an example for others to follow. Don't participate in the gossip by leaving room or change the subject whenever the gossip starts. You have successfully saved this page as a bookmark. OK My Bookmarks. Please confirm that you want to proceed with deleting bookmark.

Delete Cancel. You have successfully removed bookmark. Delete canceled. Please log in as a SHRM member before saving bookmarks. OK Proceed. Your session has expired. Please log in as a SHRM member. Cancel Sign In. Please purchase a SHRM membership before saving bookmarks. OK Join. People may form cliques, take sides and refuse to work with certain co-workers. Careers are liable to be damaged and good employees may finally get fed up and leave. Gossip can be an insidious form of bullying or harassment.

Because gossip often concerns inference and rumour rather than established fact, it can be difficult to find out who started it, let alone undo or refute it. Being cautious with gossip is common sense, but the lure of being in the loop is seductive — and largely human nature. So why do some people feel the need to constantly gossip? There are likely as many reasons as there are rumours, but a few are:.

Behave appropriately at work. Remember that work is not the place to share all types of information. Be direct. You know you are morally correct by not gossiping. So does the one spreading the gossip. Gossiping wastes a lot of company time and hurts morale. A company interested in a healthy work environment will value the opportunity to correct this type of situation. Dealing with gossip appropriately will help you establish yourself as a leader and foster a positive work environment that boosts retention.

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