We all (well, 97 percent of us) know that making up rumors about someone’s sex life is not okay. But even still, 39 percent of employees have seen it happen—and six percent say they’ve participated, too.
People don’t just casually overhear inappropriate conversations—they tend to chime in. An older study suggests that 80 percent of what we talk about is in fact, gossip.
But gossip isn’t all bad. Sure, the gossip definition we’re used to involves exposing people’s private lives without offering any real value. While that type of gossip will hurt your small business, there’s also a kind that actually has positive effects.
Here are a couple ways to stop the bad kind of gossip from making a mess at your office—while letting the good kind flow.
To keep reading, click here: 97% of People Say This Is the Most Toxic Team Behavior
It’s super hard to avoid this, but I agree it’s completely toxic to the work environment! I’ve disliked any job that I’ve had where the team spreads rumors or has ill will towards another person or group of people, even if I’m not involved in any way. I think avoiding toxicity starts with hiring the right people who will mesh together and work towards a COMMON goal rather than single out a person/group of people to rally against.
This article has 3 warning signs that you’re coming across a toxic individual during the hiring process (and they’re not super obvious, surprisingly): http://recruit.ee/bl-toxic-worker-eb-bh
Besides the low regard for others – I don’t agree with article. Being highly productive and self reporting that you follow the rules does not a toxic employee make.
Having been the butt of some malicious gossip at work, the best way to deal with it is to not react negatively but positively, calm and cool. Toxic people will create their own problem.