Why Gossip Starts & Spreads at Work | Joe Mull | TEDxStripDistrict

[isatousarr]

Gossip in the workplace is a pervasive issue that can have a profound impact on the dynamics of a team, the morale of employees, and the overall health of an organization. Understanding why gossip starts and spreads is crucial in addressing its negative effects and creating a healthier work environment. Gossip often emerges in workplaces for a variety of reasons, including a lack of communication, unclear expectations, and power imbalances. It can start innocently, but once it gains momentum, it can become a destructive force that undermines trust, breeds negativity, and damages relationships.

One of the primary reasons gossip begins in the workplace is a lack of open and transparent communication. When information is scarce or unclear, employees may feel the need to fill in the gaps with speculation and rumors. This is especially true in situations where leadership is not forthcoming with important information, or when there is ambiguity about company goals, policies, or decisions. Without clear communication from management, employees may turn to each other to make sense of what's happening, which can lead to the spread of rumors and gossip.

Power dynamics and organizational hierarchies also play a significant role in the spread of gossip. In environments where there is a concentration of power in a few individuals, those who feel excluded or disenfranchised may resort to gossip as a means of expressing frustration, gaining attention, or seeking camaraderie with colleagues. Gossip can also be a tool for individuals to gain influence or manipulate others in a way that advances their personal agenda. In workplaces with toxic cultures, those in power may encourage or even indulge gossip to control information or weaken opponents. This creates a cycle where gossip becomes an acceptable form of communication, rather than a harmful behavior to be avoided.

The social nature of humans is another contributing factor to workplace gossip. People are naturally inclined to share information and engage in social interactions, and gossip often serves as a way to bond with others. In some cases, employees gossip because it provides a sense of belonging, shared experience, or validation within a group. It can be seen as a way of navigating social dynamics and staying connected with colleagues. However, when gossip takes on a negative tone, such as discussing someone's personal life or spreading unverified information, it can quickly spiral into a harmful practice that undermines trust and morale.

Additionally, work-related stress, competition, and insecurities can fuel gossip. In high-pressure environments, employees may resort to gossip as a coping mechanism to relieve stress, distract from their own responsibilities, or vent frustrations. Gossip can become a way for individuals to feel empowered or regain a sense of control when they feel powerless in their work environment. In competitive settings, gossip may also be used as a tool to undermine colleagues or weaken a perceived rival, further escalating workplace tensions.

Once gossip starts, it can spread quickly due to the informal nature of workplace communication. Conversations in break rooms, hallways, and even online chat groups can quickly escalate rumors and misinformation. With the rise of digital communication tools, gossip can spread beyond the confines of the office, reaching a wider audience and potentially causing greater damage to reputations and relationships.

To mitigate gossip and its negative impact, organizations need to foster a culture of transparency and trust. Clear and regular communication from leadership is essential to prevent speculation and reduce the likelihood of rumors. Providing employees with consistent updates on company decisions, goals, and policies can help eliminate gaps in information that might lead to gossip.

Furthermore, organizations should promote a culture of respect and professionalism, where gossip is not tolerated. Leaders should set an example by addressing gossip directly, emphasizing the importance of constructive communication, and creating channels for employees to express concerns or ask questions without fear of retribution. Training employees on the negative consequences of gossip and encouraging open, respectful dialogue can also help reduce its spread.

In conclusion, gossip starts and spreads in the workplace due to a combination of factors, including a lack of communication, power dynamics, social pressures, and stress. While it may initially seem like a harmless form of interaction, gossip can have serious repercussions on workplace culture, employee morale, and productivity. By addressing the root causes of gossip and fostering a culture of transparency, respect, and open communication, organizations can reduce its prevalence and create a healthier, more collaborative work environment.

[sukiosartchannel]

I always go to my co-worker and try to work it out as a grown up but I have found out, the hard way, that others won't pay me the same courtesy or that they don't want to have a conversation.

[oaklandsoldier]

I'm always wary of the one coworker who knows about "everything" and "everyone". I told her once, "you know more about me than I know about myself huh"?

[glow]

So true glad I work from home. I don't have to listen or have drama queens or gossiping coming to me no more. Dr's office and office workers are notorious when it comes to drama and gossiping.

[anniesshenanigans]

So I been working with the same people for years. Several are perpetually late. Several are extremely slow. Several take shortcuts. It affects everyone, eventually. I used to complain to the boss, worry and whine about it all and had a breakdown over it. Nowadays, I let it go. If I have to work overtime because of any one of those issues, so be it. Their issues are none of my business. After all this time it cannot possibly be a secret, and it cannot possibly be a problem. And after watching this video I am sure I do something that bothers someone.

[spartanray]

I have left my full time permanent job today without telling anyone and no notice. Was so toxic in there. I was a target for months. Tipping point was when a toxic coworker creeped over the toilet walls and and spied on me doing my buisness. Then he went around and gossiped about it. Everyone was giving me the side eyes and funny looks.
Nobody bothered to ask why he did that but rather talk about me and doing a number 2 in the bathroom.

Was having a panic attack and anxiety. So i walked fast into my car and drove off.

It was so bad. I drove off today

[annmarie]

This is awesome! Many people don’t understand why people do what they do they just see their side of it and that’s it. Love this statement

[lizyankellowork]

Joe ~ Every time I need it the most, you magically appear in my "inbox" to provide me with insightful inspiration. I am blessed to know you and I am blessed to learn from you. Thank you for all you do to help us be better and do better.

[mystickage]

How many of you are the cause of gossip? I bet most people watching this don't spread it but want to understand why it is happening to them.

[CKsmallville]

I do think the worst of a co-worker, but not with one or two instances. It has to be a pattern before I think negatively of them. I don’t gossip. I don’t speak to the person Im upset with, nor anyone else either. Mainly because if I tell someone, they would tell everyone what I said. Is this why no one talks to me at any of my jobs?? Because I don’t gossip?

[veronicalagor]

Wouldn't gossip also be affected by communication between management and the team? In my experience, gossip tends to be worse in workplaces where communication from leadership is non-existant, and it's a few employees spreading theories of what's going on in the company as "fact".

[jarinorvanto]

High-performers don't want to be drawn into workplace dramas, which only harm efficiency, energy, motivation, focus, flow and joy; only a strong ethos and a good health kan resist the destructive forces harming performance. The Pareto distribution isn't merely reflecting hunky-dory worklife; unspoken part of the package is the need ta fend off disruptive forces trying to intimidate you and your performance. Keeping the trajectory and trying to enjoy yourself in the face of adversity, is the utmost rebellious act against drama, gossipers and chaos.

[hannabanana]

Lol. This was incredible. Words cannot express how much of an amazing speaker and related you made this

[simplezeesights]

They usually don't handle it well when you let them know what's going on.

[lifeworkshopca]

Awesome.
Recently I have started to let the other party know of "how I feel" and ask them "why they do what they do". Needless to say I ask for feedback. So far it has been working very well.

[annmarie]

I can’t stand being the rescuer. One co worker would always come to me and talk about how frustrating it was to work with so and so and all I could think to tell her was, “did you let her know all of this.” It’s selfish to put that on me to. I don’t need all that drama tell the person you have that problem with.

[mikemiller]

Gossip spreads because people have no damn sense

[annalindgren]

13:26 What happens when we assume good intent from those who have bad intentions?

As much as I want to believe that everybody has good intentions it’s hard when people take advantage over you for thinking like this. But when I try and be wary of people who could be doing so and confront them about it, I’m the one who is in the wrong. It just feels like I’m never going to figure this out...

[shawna_mills]

'And all of a sudden we have a little drama triangle', more like a Bermuda Triangle.

[Eltipoquevisteayer]

And remember, ALWAYS agree with the office gossip, ALWAYS bandwagon, and maybe you can be the happiest and most succesful at the office