How Gossip Happens

• Much of the gossip that occurs in the workplace happens orally. For example, coworkers talk to each other at lunch or while on break. However, because of the increase in technology, methods of gossiping in the workplace no longer are limited to word of mouth. Employees now also spread gossip through mediums such as email, text messages and online chat.
  
  

Why Gossip Happens

• Gossip in the workplace happens primarily because employees are not willing, for whatever reason, to address issues head-on, as Beth Weissenberger, cofounder and CEO of The Handel Group, explains. They do not go to the individuals within the business who have accurate information and who can put a stop to rumors. Workplace gossip also happens because it fulfills employees' need for social interaction and because gossip is an easy way for employees to find out what other people think about company issues.
  
  

Ramifications

• Gossip in the workplace is problematic because it often is inaccurate -- it spreads information that is not true, leading to confusion. It causes workers to join together into groups against each other based on what employees believe, dividing the workforce and creating unnecessary tension and resentment. Gossip also often does not propose a solution to problems discussed. Perhaps the largest problem with workplace gossip is that the resentment, confusion and wasted time that result negatively impact company productivity. From the business perspective, this translates into a loss of quality, revenue and profit.
  
  

Solution

• Because of the negative impacts workplace gossip can have on a company, employers must develop clear no-tolerance policies against it. However, such policies are only effective if employers also make it evident to employees that there are alternate ways to get opinions and concerns across to higher-ups. Employers also can minimize workplace gossip by providing employees with as much information about company plans and projects as possible, providing documentation or forums where employees and employers can discuss issues. In other words, ending workplace gossip starts with the development of a good employer-employee relationship. However, employees also have a responsibility to recognize the ill effects of gossip and to refuse to participate.