How do you guys navigate office gossip?

Anonymous

September 29,2021 at 7:15PM UTC

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How do you guys navigate office gossip? It’s so awkward when a DIRECTOR is complaining about their peers and all other levels of staff. It feels so wildly inappropriate.

They complain constantly about everyone’s ability to their job which is ironic because the director DOESNT so much themself…. It makes me want to pull my hair out.

i try to excuse myself from the conversation or occasionally ply devils advocate. Now I’m just left with this uneasy feeling that anytime I make a mistake or do something they don’t like then I’m going to be trashed behind my back….. I don’t want to work somewhere that makes me feel that way.

do I go to HR? Do I just find a new job?

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AnonymousSeptember 29,2021 at 8:13PM UTC
This has to do with the organisation’s culture. While everyone should strive to get perfect at their work, mistakes happen and they human unless these mistakes are frequent and irreparable. That said, it is quite inappropriate for management to be gossiping about it. Going to HR will. It serve any purpose because HR will always support the management. If you are finding it difficult to adjust to this type of culture, I would suggest you find another job.
Jacquelyn LloydSeptember 29,2021 at 10:44PM UTC
I say something like, "Let's show loyalty to those not here," or, "new office rule, we don't talk about someone for more than thirty seconds if they're not here." You're might be right that your colleagues talk about you behind your back and you might not. Don't sweat it either way. You can't control what other people think or say. Do your thing and know you are showing up as your best self. Show loyalty and feel good at the end of the day. You can manage this!
AnonymousOctober 6,2021 at 3:38PM UTC
My boss is the same and I've been looking for my next company. People only change when they want to and most likely, the most HR can/could do is perhaps get the person some management training. However, my boss has a career coach and nothing has changed in two years.
DeLisa DawkinsOctober 12,2021 at 2:45AM UTC
Steer clear and focus on your outcomes at your job. Most people leave a role because of the people, not because of the role. If it remains toxic, move forward.
RosemaryacOctober 20,2021 at 10:19PM UTC
Stay away. Don't engage. Staff in positions of power and decision-making will take notice and think more highly of you. Joining a group in gossip reflects badly on everyone involved, especially when it takes place in the office. Granted, people need to let off steam, but it's better to vent to friends and family if one needs to get it out of one's system.