Rumors...Good or Bad?

Office Rumors

Beginning in the late 19th century, offices for conducting business first appeared in the United States. The railroad, the telegraph and then the telephone were invented allowing for instant remote communication thus promoting the office concept as we know it today.        

If you are of the “fortunate ones” who have the luxury of earning a living in a office environment, then you probably realize that more than just work related proceedings typically occur within that environment; more specifically, this “extra circular activity” is frequently: gossip, rumors, hearsay, scandals, flat out lies, etc. or occasionally just conversation about the weather.  This activity typically takes place in the “stockroom” while you’re gathering Office Supplies.   

But is rumor or gossip always a bad thing?  Read this, and then decide.

First, let’s get this out of the way, it’s not true that women are associated with gossiping more than men; that idea in fact is a misconception, as both sexes are involved in the behavior equally.  

When it comes to office-related issues though, men and women are apt to have a stake in the hearsay or rumor mill when the news directly affects the company or its employees.

There are, when utilized in a positive manner, “ought to’s” and ought “not to’s” that should be considered when it comes to taking part in that extra circular activity within the office environment:

1. The first is to give and receive it in small volumes.

2. Always be sure it is work related and not personal.

3. Avoid it if it is coming from an individual with zero credibility.  

4. When it involves a personal affair, you may listen, but take the high road and don’t pass it along.

5. Lastly, if you’re caught gossiping about something and asked about it by a friend, a co-worker or the boss, own up to it.

So, when used in a reasonable and responsible manner; may-be its not all bad?  After all, you, the employee, may wish to prepare your self or assist in preventing the fruition of; the rumor suggesting that: “a company shutdown is expected unless production improves this upcoming quarter”.



Source ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office%23History_of_offices