Avoiding Workplace Gossip
“Perverse speech sows discord, and talebearing separates bosom friends” (Proverbs 16:28).
The Cambridge Dictionary defines gossip as “conversation or reports about other people’s private lives that might be unkind, disapproving, or not true.” As Catholics, the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us of our call to uphold the virtues of respect and dignity not just in our actions directed towards others, but also in our words: “Respect for the reputation of persons forbids every attitude and word likely to cause them unjust injury” (CCC #2477)
Gossip undoubtedly can ruin reputations and relationships at home and at work. Unfortunately, the workplace is not a haven away from the grasps of gossip. Still, there are concrete steps we can take to strive toward a gossip-free work environment for our coworkers and ourselves.
For the purposes of this article, we’ll define workplace gossip as unfounded or presumptuous talk about a coworker behind her back at the workplace. Here are three small, but important, ways to avoid workplace gossip.
Identify Gossip
Who doesn’t like a good story? Gossip can be juicy and therefore catch and keep our attention, but don’t be fooled. Ask yourself whether the words are unkind, untrue or disrespectful. If the person (or people) being spoken about isn’t present, pay particular attention to the tone and the intention of the conversation. When in doubt, uphold the virtue of respect.
Pretend they are speaking about you or a loved one. Would you want people to talk about you in such a manner? If not, it is time to shut down the gossip, which brings us to the next step.
Shut Down Gossip
Once identified, it is important to stop workplace gossip. Don’t be a bystander. Inaction can result in repeated occurrences and more harmful consequences for the people involved. Here are three approaches to choose from taking into account various factors including, but not limited to, current team dynamics, personalities, and the particular circumstances. I personally have used all three.
Steer the conversation toward a neutral topic
Stand up for the person in question
Speak to a superior or mentor and ask them to intervene
Don’t Initiate Gossip
Think before you speak. This well-known expression can be easier said than done. I can attest to that. As someone who naturally gravitates toward the written rather than the spoken word, I occasionally find myself speaking before really processing my words to avoid the dreaded few seconds (that seem so much longer in the moment) of awkward silence. It’s something I have been working on.
Don’t get caught up in emotions. Take three deep breaths or whatever you need to do to calm down and react in a way that you will not regret later.
If you find yourself engaging in gossip at work (or in other settings for that matter!), catch yourself, apologize, and learn for next time. We’re not perfect, but we have the responsibility to take accountability and put in the effort to get back on track and set an example for ourselves and for others.
These tips can be applied to virtual workplaces as well as in-person settings. Let’s work toward creating a gossip-free workspace.
Sarah Gagliano Taliun is a genetics professor with many interests in addition to studying DNA. She and her husband now call Montreal home. When she is not reading a scientific article or meeting with students, Sarah can be found experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, reading her Bible or taking a walk in nature.