When Marne Reed interviewed for her job at an online printing company, she was surprised to learn of the company’s no-gossip policy, said Shayla McKnight in The New York Times. “I remember thinking: Really? That’s odd. How is that possible?” Yet two years into the job, McKnight says the policy makes “one heck of a difference.” Instead of whispering about what irks them, employees are encouraged to confront one another. If employees are caught gossiping, they’re reprimanded, and if the problem continues they’re let go. “It has happened.”
More companies should have a “zero-tolerance policy” when it comes to scuttlebutt, said Beth Weissenberger in BusinessWeek. “When I say workplace gossip, I don’t mean who had drinks with whom last night.” The sort of loose talk that really hurts is secret conversations about work matters among co-workers. It can undermine leaders, turn factions against one another, or simply sap morale. Even listening to such bad-mouthing should be a “no-no.” Ideally, such a ban would start at the top, with the CEO denouncing gossip and promising to hold busybodies accountable.
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