by Ginny Becker

Created on: November 12, 2008   Last Updated: December 08, 2008

How to Avoid Office Gossip Traps

Put two employees in a room and chances are the conversation will include some office murmurings.

We've all been around the office gossiper. Maybe we join in every now and then, although we likely think we're less guilty it of it than our colleagues. There's usually someone who comes to mind as the offender and we probably don't think it's us. But, think carefully before you pass the buck. Can you honestly say you're always able to hold yourself to that higher standard? Excellent, if you can. But for the rest of us, what follows is some guidance to become the change we seek, as well as recommendations to extract ourselves from chronic office gossipers and improve our workplace environment.

It Just Happens...
Many of us don't intend to fall into the gossip trap, but sometimes we reach the realization that our jobs aren't quite what we envisioned they'd be when we accepted them. Combine this with the frustration and anger which often accompanies the inability to facilitate change in an organization and you've got the seeds for gossip. What better people to commiserate with than people experiencing those same negative feelings?

It starts off innocently enough with small bits of venting such as, "These reports would be a lot more accurate if management just...." or "If Bob spoke to people with a little more respect this wouldn't be happening.", or how about, "I heard 50 jobs will be cut by next month and I know who's getting the ax."

Maybe some venting is justified, but gossiping is not. Regardless, the frustration an employee experiences from not having the authority to remedy an issue often leads to harsh judgments of both coworkers and the organization as a whole. And some gossip is based in lies, often created by jealous colleagues who fear they won't make the cut or get the promotion they've been vying for if they don't take their competition down a notch.

Dangerous For the Bottom Line
According to a survey conducted by the Creative Group, published in the Boston Business Journal, 63% of advertising and marketing executives say office gossip has a negative impact on the workplace and 80% said company rumors were common in their offices.

Many managers underestimate the vital role they can play to reduce office gossip. Often, they don't hear the whispered rants of hostile employees, but nonetheless must be aware of the effect it can have on their teams and the organization. With a barrage of responsibilities on most manager's shoulders,

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