How Workplace Gossip Erodes Teams

From the Official Mail Guide Spring/Summer 2025 Edition: Throughout my years working with different teams, one common theme that has surfaced in discussions with colleagues is the power of communication—both positive and negative. What I’ve observed firsthand is how innocent office chatter can quickly evolve into something far more destructive.

Workplace gossip is often brushed off as harmless—a mere byproduct of human nature—but when left unchecked, it becomes a toxic force that undermines team cohesion and, ultimately, productivity. As managers, we must recognize the subtle yet potent threat gossip poses and act swiftly to prevent its spread before it causes irreparable damage … (click to read more)