2006-09-06 16:21:35 · 18 answers · asked by itavia s 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
As a Director of Human Resources I can give you this answer. If you are gossiping to the point where it disrupts the workplace, creates a hostile work environment for a fellow employee, or it clearly is affecting your work performance - Yes. Gossiping in the workplace is inappropriate. It is unprofessional and does not exude workplace decorum. There is no reason for high school behavior to be going on in a place where adults work and people are being paid. I have seen several disruptive employees terminated and the company has been successful in denying their unemployment claim. However, if you believe that you did not do this, then you need to find out how to file a grievance thru the HR department at the employer. If this doesn't work try the Dept of Labor for your juristiction. Last resort obtain a lawyer. Rememeber a lawyer will charge you for a consultation up front, then they will need definitive evidence to defend your charge against the employer.
If you are guilty of this behavior I give you this advice. Gossiping never goes anywhere good. Keep all conversation to work product and stay away from those who gossip who will get you tied up in their nonsense. My best in all you do!
2006-09-06 16:29:30 · answer #1 · answered by reshardcarter 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends - many states are "right to work" states, and they can fire you for wearing flip flops.
What were you saying, if you called someone a derogatory term, you can be fired because it's racial harrassment. If you called someone a fat a**, you are potentially creating a "hostile" environment for that person, and can also be subject to firing.
If the gossip was untrue, that is called libel and is also cause for discharge.
Can't give you specifics because don't know the details, but wanted to give you some ideas on what employers can do.
2006-09-06 23:24:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends. What state do you live in? Do you work for the government? Are you in a Union?
In general, smart employers don't state any reason when they fire you. They just say "I am sorry, but you just aren't working out, and we are going to have to let you go." Giving a reason is just a cause of action for a lawsuit, and if you have been an employer for very long, you know better.
2006-09-06 23:25:01 · answer #3 · answered by Jimee77 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most gossip is disruptive in some way shape or form to the productivity of the work place... In fact it can be VERY damaging. So yes. It has happened before and will happen again. It has held up in court so the precident is set. If you were dumped for gossip, your dumped and thats that. Live and learn.
Next time stick with work topics at work. Leave the gossip for some one else who has not wised up just yet.
2006-09-06 23:29:22 · answer #4 · answered by john d 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends if you signed any paper that says so. Company management has the right to set rules and policies which its employees should adhere to. If there was any memorandum, circular, or contract that says that your company can fire anyone who gossips in that company, then, legally, your company has all the right in the world to fire any employee who gossips.
If there is no document that stipulates this issue, then firing of employees who gossip may be illegal depending on other aspects. The due process for temination should be given to the employee who will be fired before he is terminated, otherwise, the employee may file a countercharge against his company if he is not given this due process.
However, if the firing of the employee who gossiped has another basis in doing so which is all about what the gossip was all about, the management of that company may fire the employee based on this other angle. If the gossip would prove detrimental to the Company's image and would affect the effective performance of its employees' performances which in effect will result to huge financial losses for the company, then the company may fire all those gossipers who serve as threats for the Company's welfare.
2006-09-06 23:34:13 · answer #5 · answered by Ruzzo 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes. Work is not a social playground and depending on how much time you spend gossiping, you're stealing that time from the company. They can fire you for anything they like, really. Do your best not to give them a good excuse. Limit conversation to break times, and don't gossip. If that's no fun, boo-hoo. You're being paid, so they can place any restrictions on your workplace activities they like. If you want to gossip while working, go volunteer someplace.
2006-09-06 23:37:49 · answer #6 · answered by misslabeled 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It depends on what state you are in. In Indiana, there is "at will" employment. You can be terminated for any cause.
However, everyone is entitled to unemployment benefits unless the employer can prove just cause in the firing.
2006-09-06 23:24:26 · answer #7 · answered by wizard8100@sbcglobal.net 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most job applications have a disclaimer at the end wherein you are advised that your employment there is at-will and that you may be terminated for no reason and that you may discontinue your employment at your discretion.
However, it never hurts to get a lawyer's opinion.
2006-09-06 23:27:05 · answer #8 · answered by KnowhereMan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, they can fire you for anything that is not discrimination. If they dont like the shoes you are wearing they can fire you. If they dont like your haircut they can fire you. If they dont like the same football team as you they can fire you. As long is it is not for race, religion, age, sex then there is nothing you can do about it. The practice is called hire at will. By accepting a job you are also accepting that you can be fired for no reason.
2006-09-06 23:24:19 · answer #9 · answered by searay092003 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you have an employment contract, you are an employtee at will, and you can be fired for any reason including no reason.
2006-09-06 23:23:24 · answer #10 · answered by fcas80 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋