In a new study from Office Pulse, nearly three-quarters of employees admitted to gossiping about problems in the workplace, or about colleagues while in the office.
On average, American employees spend about 40 minutes a week gossiping. More than half (55%) of men admit to gossiping, on the other hand 4 out of 5 women (79%) declare that they gossip in the office.
However, men are the biggest talkers. They spend about an hour a week gossiping, compared to just over 30 minutes a week for women.
Almost a third (30%) of employees admitted that their boss has asked them to gossip to understand problems in the workplace. More than a quarter (29%) stated that office gossip is their “main source of information” on workplace news.
As gossip grows, so does jealousy. 38% of those interviewed stated that they have become jealous of a colleague because of their success.
Most office gossip is related to specific conflicts in the workplace, between colleagues, management teams, managers and customers.
While gossip has a mostly negative connotation, these types of conversations aren't always bad in the right context. Almost half of those interviewed (44%) stated that gossip in the office increases stress at work.
The key to these conversations is not to be prejudiced and to resolve conflicts. But of course, the most sensible thing is not to become part of the rumours. If colleagues start talking bad about someone else, walk away gracefully. This way you send a message, non-confrontationally, that you do not tolerate this behavior in a professional environment.
