Gossip in work place

Hi, I am a nurse manager and I have encountered gossip in the workplace. It was also in spanish so I did not understand what was said, not that I cared. First, set aside 15 minutes for a MANDATORY inservice. Then very calmly but firmly state that you do not care for the origin or the contents of the gossip, but it will not be tolerated any longer. There will be a first verbal warning followed by a written one which stipulates dismissal if such behavior continues. Your HR department should have such a policy on hand. And you are covering all angles in the event a " smart alec" employee claims ignorance. In this economy everyone is lucky to have a job and to jeopardize it is plain stupid, no matter the level of responsibility. Lots of luck and I know it works.

Gossip has become so much a part of our lives that most people do not even realize that they are doing it.  Why you or I may consider gossip, they feel is idle chat.

The H.R. Department at my place of business tried the seminar approach and it had no effect, other than infuriating the gossippers, who felt their freedom of speech was being infringed on.

My advice is to tell employees to keep their private lives to themselves and not give the gossippers anything to talk about. 

Hi Donna. Check out this article I found online when I did a search about workplace gossip. I hope it helps!

Gossiping is always present in a workplace....

It never ends.

based on my experience, i've tried to befriend with them and go on with the flow... Just don't say bad things against their target or any.. just smile, nod and etc.