Controlling Gossip In The Workplace

“I’m not usually one to gossip…BUT…”

It may seem to be an impossible feat to control what people say to each other at work, but an organisation which is riddled with gossip indicates a poor management style and can lead to low morale, poor working relations, and increased turnover.

But fear not! 

Here are some handy hints to manage the impossible...

Set an example - don’t get drawn into un-work related conversations.

Take a look from the outside in and ask yourself questions about your leadership style. Do you comment about your superiors? Do you tell others what you think should change at work? 

People learn from their leaders and if you are making comments like this, others will think it is acceptable. Try and change the conversation topic if you think it is gossip related and keep a professional mind-set at all times.

Leave your door open - keep an open mind to those who come to you with issues.

If your employees do not feel like they can come to you with a problem, they are likely to start complaining to each other about what is wrong and the gossip mill begins. 

Listen and consider individual ideas and comments then give clear answers to their queries. This is likely to earn appreciation and reduce speculation which in turn will help to reduce gossip.

Confront the issue and focus on solutions

When talking to employees about rumours ensure that it is not personal but rather an organisational value. Saying ‘Gossiping doesn’t have a place here as it effects to your productivity and we are professionals’ is better than ‘those who gossip are bad people and should go back to high school’ as this is not going to create a great working atmosphere. 

If you are involved or overhear a group gossiping, try asking everyone what they think could solve the issue. This will guide employees away from gossiping and towards a solution without being self-righteous.

Go by facts and figures

If you do feel that you can’t avoid the subject of gossip, verify the information you receive. If a piece of information is merely a rumour or gossip, the individual will not be able to provide specifics and you can press the issue. 

If this is your tactic just make sure you are not condescending to a point where you make the gossiper feel uncomfortable, but portray to them that you have doubts. This is likely to discourage the spreading of gossip in the workplace.

By practicing these techniques in your organisation you can lead a much more effective, happy, and productive workplace. 

It is important to remember though that “the only time people dislike gossip is when you gossip about them”… and so it is nearly inevitable to prevent, but you should do everything in your power to keep it out of the workplace and to prevent it from going too far.