How to Deal with Office Gossip
The word “gossip” refers to the malicious dissemination of information that may reveal secrets or intimate facts. Gossiping is probably the most common office activity people share, no matter where they are in the world. More often, office gossips become the cause of misunderstanding and conflict among co-workers, especially when it's the unpleasant things that are being spread.
Although stopping your colleagues from talking about various things is unrealistic, here are some pointers to help you avoid office gossip:
1. Avoid the 'water cooler conversation'. This happens a lot, especially in an office where talking with each other at the desk is not allowed.
2. If you can't avoid the #1, determine which stories are interesting but not malicious and choose to listen only to these. Put boundaries on talking only about good things that concern your colleagues, i.e. achievements, etc.
2. Be careful with what you say. You will be held liable with the words you express.
3. Focus on finishing your tasks instead of spreading rumors. You're paid to work – not to talk about other people or the things they do that doesn't concern you.
4. For the management, set rules about rumor mongering, set an example, and communicate with your staff.
Gossip is a normal human activity, but be sure to keep it restricted to a common group of trusted people.
Although stopping your colleagues from talking about various things is unrealistic, here are some pointers to help you avoid office gossip:
1. Avoid the 'water cooler conversation'. This happens a lot, especially in an office where talking with each other at the desk is not allowed.
2. If you can't avoid the #1, determine which stories are interesting but not malicious and choose to listen only to these. Put boundaries on talking only about good things that concern your colleagues, i.e. achievements, etc.
2. Be careful with what you say. You will be held liable with the words you express.
3. Focus on finishing your tasks instead of spreading rumors. You're paid to work – not to talk about other people or the things they do that doesn't concern you.
4. For the management, set rules about rumor mongering, set an example, and communicate with your staff.
Gossip is a normal human activity, but be sure to keep it restricted to a common group of trusted people.
