Gossip in the workplace being grounds for termination?

Question

This topic was on GMA this morning while I was getting dressed. I think I did a little cheer when I found out that one company started a no-tolerance gossip ban, and has fired 3 people so far. My boss couldn't initiate this policy because everyone would be fired.

Office gossip spreads like wildfire and ruins reputations, self-esteem and is extremely damaging to peoples lives.

What's your take on it? I'm all for a no-tolerance office gossip ban.

Answer 1

My office would be empty too. I guess the last person would have to talk about themselves and then fire themselves.

Answer 2

People are in an office most likely not because they want to be there but because they need a paycheck. They are bored. They are looking for something to excite and distract themselves from the monotony of work and every day life.

Should people be penalizing for gossiping on the job? Someone has to write the guide on what can and can't be said in an office and still be seen as being social and building work relationships.

Answer 3

Gossiping is sadly a fact of life. It's the same with my work. I don't like gossip, but, there is nothing we can do about it. Yes, my work place will be empty if they initiate a no-tolerance gossip ban. Gossip happens when one person tells another person, then that person tells another person, and so on. When any of my co-workers tell me any gossip I do not pass them around. I keep them for myself.

Answer 4

If gossip is that bad in the office, there must not be enough work to keep every one busy. If you terminate a few people and spread the work on the rest, folks won't have time to gossip so much.

Answer 5

This is why I loathe working in offices; so many b**chy women with nothing better to do than to spread malicious rumors. What I always found fascinating was, the fact that they always had so much time to yak and yak and gossip but never enough time to do their work for which they are paid...bottom line; if you have time to gossip you aren't doing the job you were hired to do.

Answer 6

Yes and they will especially if it make people aware of the truth such as how companies have favorites and promote one over others.

If gossip was harmful then politicians would all be fired.


At-will employment is a doctrine of American law that defines an employment relationship in which either party can terminate the relationship with no ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/At-will

Answer 7

I think its just something you have to deal with. Its human nature. I worked in an office for 7 years with some really great people. I heard some horrible things about everyone while I was there, and decided to form my own opinions and not get involved in that stuff. I made some great friends. ( I also met some real losers though...sometimes those "rumors" aren't just rumors:))

Answer 8

maximum jobs are at-will and you may nicely be terminated for that. i might only stay far flung from those people and not get mixed up of their demanding emotions. you artwork there. people pay attention and seek advice from the better united stateshow are you able to get promoted in case you're prepared to speak a pair of previous supervisor?

Answer 9

My office would lose a lot of employees if that ban was instituted. The back-stabbing is pathetic and so are the cry-babies.

Answer 10

I would be all for it, but there wouldn't be anyone left in my department. A couple of people seem to be better able to refrain from gossiping, but most can't help but run their mouths.

Answer 11

It depends, but gossip is often bullying.

You cant fire someone for saying, 'Oh I saw X with the temp on friday at the pub', you need to see when the line has been crossed.