How to Reduce Workplace Gossip

To many folks, the idea of "workplace violence" connotes the physical harm that one may do to another. However, there is another form of workplace violence that is as dangerous and insidious, and this is workplace gossip.

Gossip is any language that would cause harm, pain, or confusion that is used outside the presence of another for whom it is intended.

Do you love chatting with your colleagues at workplace? How often do you talk about others? Do you find gossiping fun? Or have you ever been the victim of it? Whatever it is, chances are high that you have been affected by workplace gossip one way or the other. In fact, gossip is one of the major vices that affect our workplace in the present times, creating barriers between those who work together, decreasing productivity, and spreading negative vibes.

Steps to conquering office gossip

• Define gossip so that all employees understand what it is. Chapman believes some employees gossip without realizing they are gossiping. This expands the view many have that gossiping is simply saying negative things about individuals or situations.

• Listen to gossip in yourself. If you dwell on gossip you have heard or frequently think negative or hurtful thoughts about others, Chapman wants you to consider if you are contributing to the problem.

• Be honest. Using authentic, open, and honest communication is an effective way to curb gossip. Assessment tools are available to help you determine your inner feelings to open communication. One tool, The Johari Window, helps an individual understand if they communicate openly or if they are more prone to hiding details about themselves.

• Confess to those about whom you have gossiped. If you have gossiped or thought about gossiping about an
individual, go to them and confess it. This gives you the chance to build a relationship while reducing the workplace gossip.

Officechill.com is a Social Networking Website for Office Goers. In this you can find videos, photos, articles on how to deal with Office Gossips.