Is it ever okay?

I can see how gossiping about whether someone is gay (frau stuff) is bad idea, but if you don't participate at all you could be out of the loop on important things that are going to happen at the company.

It's such a fine line.

by Anonymous

reply 17

June 6, 2022 9:43 PM

Generally no. I have found it’s only okay if you do it with one VERY trusted coworker who has become am actual friend. And when I say trusted, I mean I’ve known a frau at work for about 15 years, we are friends and we occasionally gossip. Neither of us ever knows much so we move onto different topics pretty quickly.

I’ve also noticed it’s freeing not to know (or care) about any of the gossip going on at the office. Ignorance is bliss.

But I also work somewhere with a lot of security and I’m not looking to advance higher than my current position. So gossip doesn’t really interest me. If you are somewhere with lay offs and/or you want to get promoted, you probably should be in the loop.

by Anonymous

reply 1

June 5, 2022 1:45 AM

Spreading gossip about other coworkers and anyone is bad bad bad. Just envision it was being said about you. Would you like it??

by Anonymous

reply 2

June 5, 2022 1:47 AM

Depends on what kind of gossip.

This is known as the informal or social network. It can be a backbiting bitchfest, but it can also spread vital info faster and better than official channels.

by Anonymous

reply 3

June 5, 2022 1:53 AM

Better to just stay out of the gossip. If someone tells you something, you can listen and take a mental note (but consider the source, as well - is that a person reliable source?). However, don't chime in with your own tidbit of gossip.

by Anonymous

reply 4

June 5, 2022 1:57 AM

I’ve seen people lose their jobs over gossip and lies spread about them. I used to engage in what I thought was harmless gossip but now I stay out of it completely and mind my own business. I’m not interested in destroying other people even if I don’t like them or they don’t like me.

by Anonymous

reply 5

June 5, 2022 1:58 AM

It is bad. Gossip would end up damaging your relationship with your coworker. Don't get personal with your colleague and generally treat them as someone you know or acquaintance.

by Anonymous

reply 6

June 5, 2022 2:01 AM

Also, if your boss is a straight man. You would less like get a raise or promotion if you spend your day gossiping. Most straight men don't like to deal with that shit.

by Anonymous

reply 7

June 5, 2022 2:03 AM

👽 Elliot is mourning the loss of his (?) career.

by Anonymous

reply 8

June 5, 2022 2:07 AM

Straight men love to gossip. I formerly worked with cops and those guys gossiped a lot. Not saying all cops were straight, but those guys did gossip.

by Anonymous

reply 9

June 5, 2022 2:11 AM

A friend of mine thrives on gossip. Her straight boss used to call her in his office daily and ask for dirt. When people started complaining that she was too much of a gossip and busybody he had her assigned to a different department. Never expect loyalty from a boss.

by Anonymous

reply 10

June 6, 2022 8:02 PM

Of course cops are gossips. They are do-nothing, lazy fat slobs for the most part.

by Anonymous

reply 11

June 6, 2022 8:13 PM

How do you determine whether gossip is true or false, especially if it affects the future of the workplace? I wouldn't say anything unless I had indisputable proof.

by Anonymous

reply 13

June 6, 2022 9:01 PM

I try to stay out of it & just do my job & mind my own business. Plus, most people foolish enough to gossip aren't really in a position to tell you anything useful anyway. Mostly they're just repeating stupid shit that other co-workers (foolishly) put on social media. I always assume that anyone talking shit about other people is also talking shit about me & I don't want to give them further ammunition.

by Anonymous

reply 14

June 6, 2022 9:13 PM

It’s childish and cruel.

by Anonymous

reply 15

June 6, 2022 9:28 PM

[quote] How do you determine whether gossip is true or false, especially if it affects the future of the workplace?

Consider the source. Do the person (who's gossiping) even have access to that kind of information? Is that person a talker or a listener?

At my old office, I sat near a secretary who was constantly talking. I was surprised at the amount of office gossip that she didn't know. Why? Because she's always talking and not listening.

by Anonymous

reply 16

June 6, 2022 9:35 PM

I learned the hard way by remarking on some gossip and the person was told what I said and confronted me. Never again, I learned no one can be trusted as King Herod wisely informed Emperor Claudius "trust no one."

by Anonymous

reply 17

June 6, 2022 9:43 PM