Six tips for limiting and managing workplace gossip Lead by example. A great way to contribute to a positive work environment and avoid workplace gossip is to lead by example. The first step managers should take to stop workplace gossip is to directly address the people who spread it. This must be done confidentially so that others cannot hear what is being discussed.
Talk to the person and try to understand what motivates them to spread gossip about another co-worker. There may be an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. Then, your goal should be to help that person understand the impact of their behavior and the consequences of what will happen if they continue. New managers must act quickly; unless it stops, widespread negative gossip can be like a disease that spreads and wreaks havoc across an entire department (and even the entire company).
This can be difficult to do if you find yourself in a situation where workplace gossip has been allowed to be generated unrestrained. One of the most powerful ways a manager can influence his team is by modeling good behavior for himself. Instead, train managers on how to address conflicts and encourage all managers to address negative gossip immediately and directly. Negative gossip can lead to productivity problems (because employees feel the need to adopt CYA behavior), morale problems (because employees become suspicious of each other and the management team), engagement and staff turnover problems (because high-performing employees look for work elsewhere), and even liability issues when generalized gossip is considered “malicious harassment”.
When there's a group of people working together in an office environment, there's bound to be workplace gossip from time to time. Managers should encourage employees to share positive gossip if they see a co-worker doing everything possible to help a customer or colleague, or if they hear someone coming up with a great idea. Positive gossip occurs when managers and employees share positive stories about things that happen in the office. Dealing directly and quickly with bullies, meeting with your staff, and encouraging positive gossip (not negative ones) can help change things.
It is the responsibility of every manager to make their employees feel safe and comfortable in the workplace. Managing gossip appropriately will help you establish yourself as a leader and foster a positive work environment that increases retention and instills a sense of psychological safety. However, workplace gossip is one of the most common ways to destroy company morale and decrease productivity. Here are some things you can do to stop office gossip and create a more positive work environment for everyone.
Proactively creating a culture that doesn't support gossip will help protect you and your colleagues from unfair rumors.
