Gossip gets a bad rap in most offices, but a recent study from Indiana University says that the rumor mill can actually be beneficial. It can help people to bond by building trust and is also a way that we learn social norms.
So does that mean you should run out and hunt down the juiciest tidbits in your office? No! Gossip can still be damaging to the working environment, people’s feelings, and even your career. Here are some tips for navigating the gossip landscape.
Embrace the Good:
Stay in the know. In many workplaces, communication is a problem. If information isn’t forthcoming from the top, keep your ear to the ground. It can be a good way to be prepared for upcoming changes or even to understand where perceived problems are in your department. Forging friendships with people in different departments can help you have a better understanding of what’s going on in the organization as a whole.
Use the gossip mill to your advantage. If you’re having a problem at work, gossip can sometimes be the answer to getting it addressed. But before you start gabbing, consider: is a direct approach better? Most often, it is, but sometimes an indirect approach is warranted. You can also use it to spread good news, such as accomplishments that you’ve made.
Avoid the Bad:
Take everything you hear with a grain of salt. Sometimes gossip spreads half-truths or even flat-out false information. As it travels from person to person, the message gets garbled, like in the children’s game Telephone. You should also be aware that any news you spread through gossip may get distorted as well, so be careful!
Don’t be afraid to speak up. If office gossip is out of control or making you uncomfortable, try talking to the person who is the problem. Don’t accuse them or threaten them. Simply let them know how the current situation is making you feel and try to talk out a solution. If the problem continues, give them a polite warning that you will talk to human resources about the issue. If they still haven’t gotten the message, then it’s time to report it.
Don’t get personal. Its one thing to understand what’s going on with the company, but it’s entirely different to talk about who’s dating who, who’s pregnant, or who’s getting a raise that didn’t deserve it. This is the type of gossip that can create a hostile work environment. If it takes a turn to such personal details, politely excuse yourself from the conversation.
Head gossip off at the pass. Some gossip, such as rumors about impending layoffs, doesn’t do any good. It simply contributes to fear and anxiety in the workforce. If you’re in a management role, you can keep these types of things under control by being as open and honest as you can up front. The more everyone knows, the less likely they’ll be to guess… and spread false facts.
Gossip gets a bad rap in most offices, but a recent study from Indiana University says that the rumor mill can actually be beneficial. It can help people to bond by building trust and is also a way that we learn social norms.
