How to manage office rumours

It always starts small. A colleague leaks secretive information, which quickly dominates discussions in some circles before gradually becoming public knowledge.
Office gossip is a common issue in many workplaces. It does not necessarily depend on an employee’s level of engagement. In fact, some senior managers confide in junior staff for daily feeds. In return, the juniors get privy to top company plans, which they can use to their advantage. Such juniors will be ‘informed’ than other managers who are actually supposed to implement company policies.
Office rumours can occur either during or after work; many employees enjoy talking about each other, managers and their employers. Some of the common issues shared include scandals, pay, promotions and exits. It is surprising how some employees, even in a busy workplace, devote time and energy snooping and sharing information about workmates.
But in a workplace devoid of effective communication, rumours become a necessary evil. The sad thing is that information shared has no gate-keeping rules; even company top secretes can be disseminated thanks to platforms such as the Internet and mobile phones.
For traditional companies, communication flows from top to bottom: from top managers through line managers to subordinates or vice versa. In a modern office, however, employees are more subtle. They will demand timely and rightful information to contribute effectively.
Nevertheless, a manager can eliminate rumours at the workplace by explaining behaviour that may appear secretive, and openly discussing worst case possibilities.
Also, consider inviting and speaking physically with individual employees about their mistakes instead of backbiting them. This gives such employees the opportunity to feel valued, creates a sense of confidentiality and increases their ability to realise their mistake for better performance.
For an individual employee, it would be best that you just concentrate on achieving your work targets.

The writer is a human resources expert and a journalist.

ikitimbo@ug.nationmedia.com