How to deal with gossip in the workplace
Humans are social animals and they often give their opinion on various topics, even if they are not asked. They tend to argue at every possible opportunity and do not refrain from doing so even in their workplace. Gossip is a rampant part of any organization, as there may be employees who are primarily involved in speculating with other people. While healthy discussions can help a person grow in their career, spreading false rumors can affect a person’s performance. It can also have a devastating effect on him / her as it affects the morale and productivity of the person in question. Therefore, one should refrain from being part of the charlatans and even if he has an idea about it, he must act wisely and handle it properly. Here are some ways to help you effectively manage gossip in the workplace.
- Get to the root of the issue
Conversation in the workplace is a common occurrence in all organizations. However, you must identify the type of discussion that is taking place. While a friendly joke can generate some light moments among employees, the speaker starts a gossip only to get attention and spread misconceptions that are intended to undermine a person’s potential.
- Don’t take things personally
It often happens that the person who starts the rumors exaggerates things just to show his superiority in the company. Even if it seems like a deliberate attempt to spread malicious nonsense about yourself, how you respond to the situation will be the most important thing. Instead of having a defensive approach, try to understand the reasons that caused these rumors and then treat it objectively.
- Know the facts
Rather than get excited about your emotions when tackling these issues, you need to know the true story behind the widespread accounts. You can search for factual answers by interacting with the right people who will provide you with accurate answers.
- Examine the context
While handling rumors in your workplace, you need to identify the type of rumors, whether they are related to a particular person or are gossip in the workplace. Although both must be dealt with quickly and firmly, appropriate steps must be taken to prevent employee morale from plummeting.
- Address rumors honestly
In times of uncertainty in the workplace in today’s world, rumors are likely to be fueled more and driven faster. If you have a high position in the organization, it is your duty to assess the fears in your team and make them aware of the facts. It involves giving adequate reassurance about the things you know and taking steps to find out the reality about the things you may not be aware of.
- Question the gossiper directly
Most people gossip about others simply because they enjoy doing it or have a sense of insecurity towards an individual. They use attention seeking tactics to make their importance felt in their group. You can help those employees by challenging them to speak up about their real complaints or by encouraging them to share what is bothering them.
- Avoid getting involved
Whether you’re an employee, a team leader, or aspiring to a higher position in the company, never engage in conversations that perpetuate rumors. Doing so not only belittles your worth, but also creates a negative impression on the minds of others.
- Discourage the spread of rumors
You must comply with company policies and understand the types of discussions in your organization that are called gossip. Make sure employees understand what is considered a negative discussion and take appropriate steps to avoid it.
Gossip can become one of the main reasons for distraction in the workplace and even affect company performance and lead to financial losses. Therefore, it is necessary to control rumors and not allow the spread of false news among employees. The methods listed above can help you deal with gossip in your organization.
