The Surprising Power of Gossip: How It Can Boost Trust, Transparency, and Team Spirit

Though managers often consider gossip to be derogatory and tend to punish gossipers with lower performance ratings, it may contain surprising positive attributes for leadership

Gossip, which is often dismissed as a disruptive force in the workplace, is gaining a surprising reappraisal in the work environment. Experts at Hogan Assessments, the global leader in workplace personality assessment and leadership consulting, noted this astonishing comeback, analyzing gossip in depth to identify three powerful positive impacts the practice can have in organizational settings.

1 - Virtue - Gossip as a Reliable Stream of Workplace Information

In times of crisis or structural change, the flow of information within organizations can become restricted, often leaving employees in the dark. Consequently, gossip emerges as an organic solution to this communication bottleneck. “When formal channels break down, gossip becomes the lifeline for information sharing”, said Allison Howell, Hogan’s Vice President of Market Innovation.

“Rather than viewing gossip as inherently negative, organizations can recognise its role in reducing uncertainty and helping employees cope with change”. Gossip can have a positive impact on teams by alleviating anxiety and fostering adaptability, while also ensuring that employees stay informed, even in turbulent times.

2 - Virtue - A Secret Partner for Proactive Managers

For proactive managers, keeping an ear to the ground for workplace gossip can be an invaluable tool. Gossip often serves as an early warning system, signalling potential challenges or conflicts before they escalate. “Gossip isn’t just idle chatter; it reflects the pulse of the workplace”, Howell noted. “Managers who engage with this information can strengthen team bonds, reinforce organizational values, and create a culture of openness and trust”.

Additionally, gossip can promote social and emotional connectivity within teams, fostering an independent support network. When handled with care, it can even help self-regulate departments. “However, managers are encouraged to monitor gossip to prevent problematic behavior and intervene when necessary”, Howell said.

3 - Virtue - A Diagnostic Tool for Leadership

Gossip can serve as a powerful diagnostic tool for leaders by offering insights into deeper organizational challenges. Negative gossip can signal unresolved conflicts or broader cultural issues that require attention or have been left unattended, allowing them to fester into something more profound. “Instead of demonizing gossip, leaders should treat it as a symptom of underlying problems”, said Howell. “When leadership focuses on resolving intergroup conflicts and improving communication, the workplace becomes stronger and more cohesive”. Attempts to suppress negative gossip through punitive measures, such as performance appraisals, are not only ineffective but can also backfire easily and quickly, creating an even more toxic environment. Emphasizing open dialogue and addressing root causes is a far more constructive approach.

“Organizations willing to embrace gossip’s virtues can transform this oft-maligned behavior into a powerful ally. By leveraging gossip as an information conduit, a cultural reinforcement mechanism, and a diagnostic tool, companies can promote transparency, empathy, and a high-performing culture”, concluded Howell.

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About Hogan Assessments: The international leader in personality insights, Hogan Assessments produces valid, reliable personality assessments grounded in decades’ worth of research. More than 75% of the Fortune 500 use Hogan’s talent acquisition and development solutions to hire the right people without bias, boost productivity, reduce turnover, and promote diversity and inclusion. For more information, visit hoganassessments.com.