Dealing With Office Gossip.

Gossip… It is one of the quickest ways for a workplace to lose employee morale. So what are your options as an employee and an employer when it comes to dealing with gossip in the office?

Keep Reading to find tips on how to deal with gossip as an employee and as an employer!

​A workplace is your home away from home, your second family. No one wants to be apart of a family if that environment is toxic. As an employee, you rely on your colleagues for support and comradery. As an employer, you count on your employees to give the company that family culture it needs to possess a positive moral. It is essential to know when the line is being crossed from office chitchat to gossip so you can nip it in the bud before more significant problems arise. Below are some helpful tips for both an employee and an employer on how to deal with office gossip. 

How to deal with office gossip for Employees:

1. Change the Subject - If you find yourself in the middle of a conversation that turns from chitchat to a discussion with malicious intent, change the topic. Doing so can give the gossiper the impression that you are not interested in the subject. It is a subtle way of telling them they crossed a line and that you won't participate in that negative behavior.
2. Say Something Positive - One of the fastest ways to derail the gossip is to reply with something positive about the individual they are trying to attack. By doing this, you will be taking the fun out of the gossiper's intent, and there is a good possibility the conversation will change course.
3.  Confront the Problem or go to a Supervisor - Life is to short to have to deal with these types of situations. Nothing negative will come from professionally approaching the gossiping individual. Let them know you are concerned with the gossiping, and you want it to stop. In most cases, once approached, the individual will stop. But if the gossip persists, don't be afraid to share it with your supervisor. The supervisor will be forced to intervene and appropriately deal with the toxicity.   

How to deal with office gossip for Employers:

1. Zero-tolerance Policy - As an employer, you can enact a zero-tolerance policy from day one. A zero-tolerance policy will ensure that everyone who is part of the organization is informed that disciplinary action will be taken if any form of gossip or abuse occurs. 
2. Progressive Discipline - This form of discipline will allow you to nip it in the bud without making your employees worried that they are not allowed to communicate with one another. If gossip does persist, termination may be a resort and a way to make an example. Because it only takes one toxic person to drive your good employees out.
3. Positive Gossip - This is a great way to build better relationships with your employees. Share people's accomplishments and celebrate their successes with the workplace. This will give you a chance to get to know your employees better and build that positive culture. If you use this technique, it is essential to distribute praise evenly to avoid biased behavior.