How to Avoid Gossips in the Workplace: A Corporate Culture Necessity

So what’s the latest scoop on things? Who is doing what with whom? Who got suspended for doing what? Of course the question will depend on where your interests lie. But the truth is workplace gossip is hard to quell much like the flu virus. People know it exist but many simply let it be. However, when it gets out of hand, devastating effects can be expected. Creating a corporate culture that is productive and healthy entails removing any disruptive behavior.

So how do you avoid getting sucked in the gossip circle in your office?

Focus on your job

Here’s a logical way to do it – do your job instead of rumormongering. If you’re focused on your task, you won’t have much time in your hands to waste on the latest scoop in the office. Focus on productive activities rather than something that is destructive.

Know your limits

There’s no need to share intimate details of your latest conquests. Likewise, get your nose off other people’s personal business. There are boundaries set for everyone’s protection. You’ll never know who is listening – you can either be the next topic of the day or worse, you may face sexual harassment charges. In any case, it’s just not worth the risk.

It’s an office, treat it as such

Remember that this is the workplace. There are standards and expectations on how you should conduct yourself. This is a place for work, not for extracurricular activities like gossiping.

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Don't use technology for gossip

Refrain from using your computer as a tool for rumormongering. Today, you no longer have to be physically present to get the juicy tidbits for the day. Instant messaging, e-mailing and intranet are some of the ways people communicate the freshest news. Please don’t turn these useful technologies into gossip tools that can ruin lives.

Help create a culture of respect

If you want to avoid gossips in the workplace make sure you help create a culture of respect. With this fundamental ingredient in productive and healthy relationships, you encourage less gossip. Corporate culture with respect at its core increases productivity. Moreover, it builds strong and healthy relationships.

Fight the urge

The most important step to avoid gossips in the workplace is to fight the urge. No matter how juicy and irresistible the scoop may be, muster the strength to say no to gossip. You can even go further by encouraging others to follow your lead.

Make no mistake about it gossip will always be present in varying degrees. However, its effects may not be as dreadful when people exercise a little more caution. A healthy workplace is where people can comfortably work with each other. So don’t let the ill-effects of gossip pull your organization down.

1. How severe is the office gossip in your workplace?
2. Do you join in office gossip?
3. Have you been the focus of an office gossip?
4. Do you think office gossip is bad?