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We've all done this at some point. Listening in on some juicy tidbit is hard to resist, and sharing that information can be just as tempting. Yes, gossip can be both fun and destructive, as we've all learned at some point, but gossip in the workplace can be even more complicated. After all, every office has someone who knows "everything about everybody" who is more than willing to pass on this "knowledge." It can be fun, and even helpful at times (I'll get back to this point), but to what extent does gossip belong in the office? And do the benefits outweigh the problems it causes?

Why It Might Be Beneficial to Participate
There aren't too many benefits to gossip in most situations other than killing time during a slow period. However, there are times when you might be expected to participate or at least listen in. Perhaps the best instance that comes to mind is one I know all to well myself. In some companies, communication between departments is slow (that would be understatement where I work), but occasionally some information will trickle through in the form of gossip. While it's not the healthiest method of communication, it's actually better that having information withheld and then dropped on you when you least expect it.

Disadvantages to Office Gossip
As with any vice, gossip has more disadvantages than advantages. Some of the most obvious cons to office gossip is:

* You don't always know if what you hear is true or not. You may be damaging someone's reputation unfairly.

* You may gain a reputation for being a gossip, which is never flattering.

* Forgive the cliche, but what goes around comes around. If you don't show discretion when discussing your fellow co-workers, what is going to happen when the gossip is about you? (And this will happen eventually, I know first-hand.)

Damage Control
Sometimes a bit of gossip might be necessary to stay in the loop and be sociable within the office. However, do so with caution.

* Take everything you hear with a grain of salt. It may not be true, and if not, it's not worth remembering, let alone repeating.

* Don't participate too frequently, and when you do, be aware of who is listening.

* Consider the source and the subject of the gossip. If one co-worker is talking about someone you know he/she dislikes, there may be a hidden agenda.

The best thing to consider when tempted to spread that rumor you just heard: assume that it will be repeated. What if it's traced back to you? In some cases, this may be just enough to shut you up. Or if that doesn't work, consider this.

"It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt." - Mark Twain

Posted in co-worker | Gossip | office | reputation | rumor | work Musings of a Wordsmith | | | | 223 reads