Workplace gossip—sharing personal details or false information about someone—is a common issue. A survey of 1,000 U.S. workers by LiveCareer found 58% of employees hear gossip weekly and 30% hear it daily, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
But gossip can damage a company’s culture and employee morale. Among employees, 47% said workplace gossip fuels tension and distrust; 47% said they do not trust their co-workers with confidential information; about 50% said gossip harms morale; and 39% said it negatively affects career advancement.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce shares the following ways to stop workplace gossip.
- Model appropriate behavior. Business owners and leaders should model no-gossip behavior to set an example for the rest of the team.
- Create consistent communication channels. When employees believe they lack the information they need, they may turn to informal channels to get it. You should keep employees updated regarding company news, changes and developments.
- Promote a positive work environment. Create a culture where you recognize achievements and everyone feels valued, supported and respected. Employees who feel a sense of belonging are less likely to gossip about others.
- Offer training. If conflict and gossip are ongoing issues, provide training and guidance regarding how best to handle disagreements and conflict resolution.
- Create gossip policies. Establish clear policies for employee conduct and communication that include gossip and the consequences of spreading it. However, ensure the policy is clear about not limiting employees’ rights to talk about wages, hours or working conditions.
