Recent research from Binghamton University, State University of New York, reveals that certain workplace gossip might actually decrease the chances of employees leaving, consequently enhancing an organization’s overall effectiveness.

“Organizations should be aware of the impact of positive gossip because turnover can be a very important factor in dictating an organization’s success,” the researchers explain.

“To make employees participate in positive gossip, the organization should do the right things by treating their employees well, and being aware their behaviors can show they care about their employees.”

Positive gossip

Although studies on workplace gossip aren’t groundbreaking, this study goes beyond previous work by delving into how employees engaging in gossip may experience social benefits. While earlier research explored the reasons behind workplace gossip, this latest study aligns with her leadership-focused research concentrating on interpersonal relationships and social networks.

The researchers surveyed 338 health workers in South Korea, assessing positive and negative forms of workplace gossip related to their organizations and management. Some topics included expressing complaints about the organization in the absence of management, discussing mistreatment by management with colleagues, and praising the organization’s capability when management is not present.

The research revealed that gossip is seen as more valuable when people positively discuss their management or organization. Health workers in the survey were more interested in information that could enhance or maintain their organizational status. Interestingly, the study found no connection between negative gossip and coercive power in the workplace, contrary to the researchers’ expectations.

The right kind

“We expected that if you participate in negative gossip, maybe you’re trying to appear powerful or controlling or want to ‘beat someone up,’ but we couldn’t find any supportive results,” the researchers explain. “If anything, we found that people didn’t value that type of gossip as information and just saw it as someone who wants to complain. So, if you’re thinking about negative workplace gossip, you might want to save your time because there’s no positive impact for you.”

Arguably the most important aspect of the study is that it shows that positive gossip can actually help to reduce voluntary employee turnover across the workforce.

“It can be very hard just to quit your job, and if you’re experiencing difficulty where you work, maybe you want to participate in positive gossip with your colleagues and talk about some of the more bearable aspects of the organization,” the authors conclude. “Eventually, that can help you gain some personal power. It’s a very convenient way to reduce negative feelings toward your own workplace, which can help you more in the long run.”