Office Gossip

clevahn

I work at a small medical device company (45 employees). Our rumor mill is alive and well and causing a lot of problems at the company. This week our receptionist emailed two inside sales people telling them that she wanted them to know that people were talking about them and that "everyone" thought they were having an affair". She said in her email that she was telling them this so that "Management" doesn't find out. This is just once recent example of the gossip and unproductive talk that is going on. It is not just one person or one department. We've been criticized in the past for sending out broad messages to the whole company because our employees feel we should not pass judgement on everyone for something that a few people do. How would you readers put an end to this destructive office gossip? We're not even sure who all of the players are so it would be difficult to target certain individuals. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

Don D

You will not eliminate office gossip, no matter the size of the organization. A good policy on use of company equipment, including computers, could help you address the email role in the gossip though. At least it gives you a basis for discipline, if violated. It sounds like a 'pretty loose' organization, so maybe these two sales people will benefit from the email and be a bit more discreet.