Gossip Galore Gossip is one thing that certainly finds many people in trouble—both in and out of the workplace. The gossiper may be terminated because the act is a form of workplace bullying. And anyone else who may have spread the (mis)information may also face the consequences as well.
Can you discipline an employee for gossiping?
Employees that participate in or instigate gossip about the company, an employee, or customer will receive disciplinary action. Most people involved in gossip may not intend to do harm, but gossip can have a negative impact as it has the potential to destroy a person’s or organization’s reputation and credibility.
How do you deal with an employee who spreads rumors?
Follow up with the person if rumor-spreading continues. Remind her of your last conversation and say that the behavior has to stop. If it doesn’t, you’ll have to issue a written warning, or contact the HR department, if your company’s big enough to have one.
Is spreading rumors a form of harassment?
Some people spread rumors as a way to intimidate others and gain status or popularity. But spreading rumors as a way to turn people against someone is a form of bullying — and it can have serious consequences for the person doing it. Spreading unkind gossip in person or online is not a decent or mature way to act.
Can a employer fire an employee for gossip?
This means that employers can fire employees at will for any reason or for no reason, and with or even without notice. So, when an employer is considering terminating an employee for gossiping if the employer is an “at-will” employer or is in an “at-will” state, they are within their rights to fire the gossiping employee.
What happens if you spread rumors in the workplace?
In the case of our letter-writer, he claims to be shunned by peers as a result of these rumors, which reach all the way to senior management. If this same employee was passed over for a promotion or a raise, the guilty parties could face some hefty specific damages.
What to do when fired employee is badmouthing your company?
It will actually add credence to her story, which is the opposite of what you want. And keep in mind that many of your employees are going to be annoyed by what this former employee is doing, and she’ll end up discrediting herself in the eyes of a lot of people.
Can a rumor about a coworker get you sued?
Spreading rumors about coworkers is inadvisable, generally — for one thing, your coworkers won’t like or trust you. Worse, at a certain point, a negative rumor about a coworker can get you sued. In civil law, there are four characteristics of negative statements. If a statement has all four, it becomes defamation of character.
