Comments on: Tribunal rules worker fired for gossiping should get job back

By: Douglas

Douglas — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:08:49 +0000

Being a Shawnee Native American I have been told by our tribal chief that gossip was the only “crime” that caused expulsion from the tribal villages in the 1800′s – and everyone knew that you were a gossip.
Further, it was indicated that if you heard gossip, you took it back to the individual that it was about, that way it was stopped immediately. End of problem.

By: LAURIE

LAURIE — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 15:57:51 +0000

How would Kalyn suspect that she was doing anything wrong? The employer did not act on its employees viewing porn during company-time; or an employee having sex with a patient. I agree that gossip is counter productive in the workplace. But in this incident, gossip is not the employer’s biggest problem.

By: John

John — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:47:10 +0000

Actually I don’t think this can be classed as gossip. Kaylyn addressed a concern that probably was covered in the company policy manual and at the very least could be the start of a hostile workplace complaint. She still may have a case for retailiation for the powesr that be did not recognize the true nature of what was said and take action concerning a serious situation and violation of workplace equipment. I think they got off easy and they should be happy that she did not sue for retailation

By: R. B.

R. B. — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:31:05 +0000

You can’t control gossip. The best you can do, in my estimation, is to keep your ear tuned to it, glean what you can from it, discourage it when appropriate and never participate personally. But I have learned about inappropriate conduct of workers and supervisors / managers through gossip, so it can be valuable.

By: Kay

Kay — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:19:51 +0000

Gossip is vicious and hurtful and has no place anywhere. It is a true reflection of ones character, ego, and lack of self esteem that creates or repeats gossip. I make every attempt to discourage office gossip by reiterating that if it doesn’t affect you, it is not yours to talk about. Judgements are based on the facts I have with an individual or situation. Always consider the source.

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:09:30 +0000

After years of hearing office gossip and seeing the morale of certain workers slowly be destroyed I’d had enough. I called a meeting with the entire staff to let them know I was adding a “Malicious Gossip” section to our employee manual. It states that any type of gossip will not be tolerated. It also states that any type of displeasure with the company should only be expressed solely to management. One employee was so upset with the new rule, she quit. Not being able to gossip was really hard on her! If the employees here are still spreading rumors I sure don’t see it. We periodicaly have open forum staff meetings to “blow off steam” if necessary. So far it seems to be working.