Dealing with gossip in the workplace
Click here to load reader
-
Upload
alexander-laurin -
Category
Career
-
view
36 -
download
3
Transcript of Dealing with gossip in the workplace
DEALING WITH GOSSIP
IN THE WORKPLACE
Dealing With Gossip in the Workplace
Managing workplace gossip is important for organizations and for the employees
who work there. Here are some important steps you can take as a team and as an
individual to encourage communications that benefit your emotional health and
career.
Dealing With Gossip as a Team
1. Consider a ban on gossip. Some employers have adopted an official ban on
workplace gossip and require employees to sign a pledge. Opinion remains
divided about whether this practice is too extreme, but it can send a strong
message.
2. Encourage open communication policies. A more moderate step is promoting
open communication policies. Let employees know that they're expected to talk
directly with each other about conflicts before calling in a supervisor or other
outside parties.
3. Comply with personal blog and general internet use policies. Keep an eye on
e-mail and chat too. Appropriate blog and online policies can balance an
employee's right to personal expression while protecting the company and
related individuals from harassment, defamation and other threats.
4. Confront rumors promptly. Minimize anxieties by responding to rumors
promptly. Factual information about layoffs or other difficult issues serves people
better than leaving them to speculate on their own.
1
Zencareers - Recruiting and Career Coaching the Top Talent
5. Discuss the impact of gossip. Use staff retreats and other gatherings to remind
everyone about the difference between positive communication and gossip.
Prevention is better than singling people out after the damage is already done.
6. Know your legal rights. In general, employers have a duty to take action against
verbal harassment if they're aware of it. An employment lawyer can advise you
on what options are available in your individual situation. If you're on limited
budget, your local bar association may be able to help you find free or low-cost
legal services in your community.
Dealing with Gossip As An Individual
1. Share information. Being generous with non-confidential information can put a
check on gossip. Keep employees informed with regular progress reports about
work issues or projects. If your work is likely to affect someone else's
responsibilities, ask for their input and invite them to meetings.
2. Be sensitive about appearances. Closed doors can set off alarms even when the
explanation is innocent. Let people know that you're just watching a webinar
with the speakers on and it's okay to knock or send you an instant message if
they need something.
3. Reach out to new people. Resist the tendency to form cliques by inviting
someone outside of your usual circle to join you for lunch. Sign up for the
company softball team or volunteer for a charity drive.
4. Walk away. Gossip doesn’t spread easily if it lacks an audience. You can
tactfully suggest a more constructive channel for stating a complaint or just
remove yourself from the discussion.
2
Need urgent advice? Call 416-613-1416 today and receive a free 15 minute consultation to discuss your options…
5. Focus on your colleagues’ good qualities. Tensions can build easily at work.
Remind yourself about what you like about your co-workers and the things
they've done to help you in the past. You'll automatically have nicer things to
say about them.
6. Cultivate relationships outside of work. Devote adequate attention to your
private life, especially if you work long hours. Having close relationships outside
the office can provide you with sources of emotional support and objective
advice when issues arise in the workplace.
7. Get busy. The best antidote to harmful gossip may be just staying busy. If your day
is full of tasks that you find challenging and gratifying, you're less likely to get
distracted by less constructive activities.
An office grapevine run amok can take a heavy toll on morale and productivity. Help
your colleagues and yourself to create a work environment where open and
respectful communications flourish.
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
3