A Small Army of Gossipers can quickly take down a Company's Morale!

You know who they are?!

Most likely disgruntled workers who didn't get something their way, disagreed with a change of direction and are now holding grudges, or didn't get that promotion they felt entitled to.

They spread their tumor by enlisting others into their negative spin campaign.

Some negative consequences of workplace gossip include:

• Gradual decline of trust and morale.
• Work productivity goes down because people are emotionally caught up in the drama like teenage kids.
• Anxiety and tension are high as rumors circulate and people walk on eggshells without knowing what is and isn't fact.
• Divisiveness as people take sides.
• Unexpected turnover and loss of good talent who left due to the toxic work environment.

Steps to Getting Rid of Gossip

• 1. Enact 'zero-tolerance' policies on workplace gossip. 
• 2. Set an example.
• 3. Let the boss know
• 4. Address the perpetrators.
• 5. If you're a manager, meet with your team. Bring up the topic of gossip in a staff meeting to educate your team on its negative consequences.
• 6. Encourage positive gossip. The flipside of negative gossip is to create a culture where people share positive stories about work, customers, and culture.
• 7. Ignore the gossiper. 
• 8. Keep your private life private.