How to Handle Gossip in the Workplace: Stay Professional and Avoid the Drama

Workplace gossip and cliques can make even the best job feel stressful. Whether you’re experiencing whispered rumors by the coffee machine or an exclusive group that makes other coworkers feel left out, these behaviors unfailingly create tension and lower the team’s morale. 

If you’re dealing with gossip or cliquey behavior in the workplace, you’re not alone. According to iHire’s 2025 Toxic Workplace Trends Report, 72.2% of employees who have experienced a toxic work environment due to conflict or hostility cite gossip, cliques, or exclusion as a cause. While you may not be able to eliminate the issue entirely, you can control how you respond. 

Here’s how to handle gossip in the workplace without making enemies and maintain your professionalism.

Recognizing Workplace Gossip and Cliques

Not all casual conversations are harmful, but gossip can quickly make a workplace toxic. Work-related discussions focus on tasks, customer issues, deadlines, or company news – things that impact everyone in the workplace. Gossip, on the other hand, involves spreading rumors, discussing personal matters, or speaking negatively about colleagues. Cliques aren’t just close workplace friendships – they create exclusionary groups that alienate others and disrupt teamwork, trust, and collaboration.

If you feel uncomfortable around others at work, notice people whispering as you walk by, or hear unverified rumors spreading about you or someone else at work, chances are that you’re witnessing workplace gossip or cliquish behavior. Trust your gut. Paying attention to how different conversations make you feel can help you distinguish between harmless chatter and damaging talk.

Gossip often thrives when the workplace culture allows it. If leadership ignores negative behavior or even participates in it, addressing the issue can be an uphill battle. In these cases, being mindful of office politics and knowing when to disengage is essential for your peace of mind.

How to Deal With Workplace Gossip Without Making Enemies

It can be tempting to call out gossip when you hear it, but depending on whom you’re dealing with, direct confrontation can backfire and land you on some colleagues’ bad sides. 

Instead, try these approaches:

• Avoid participating: If a conversation takes a negative turn, don’t add to it. Redirect the discussion to something neutral, or excuse yourself.
• Change the subject: Shift the focus to a work-related topic or something lighthearted, like a shared interest.
• Address false information calmly: If someone spreads incorrect rumors, set the record straight without sounding accusatory.
• Encourage positive talk: Praise coworkers for their achievements and steer conversations toward constructive and useful discussions.

Your response sets the tone. By refusing to engage in gossip, you make it clear that negativity won’t get your attention or energy.

If gossip is creating problems for the entire team, it may be necessary to bring the issue to your leadership’s attention. In such a case, approach the conversation professionally by explaining how the toxic behavior affects the team’s productivity and morale rather than focusing on specific individuals.

Don’t Become Part of the Problem

Even well-meaning employees can accidentally contribute to workplace gossip. It’s easy to vent your frustrations or make offhand comments, but these moments can exacerbate an already negative work environment. Before you speak, ask yourself if what you’re about to say is productive, positive, or necessary. If not, it might be better left unsaid.

Beyond watching what you say, being mindful of workplace dynamics can prevent you from unintentionally contributing to exclusionary behavior. Avoid forming exclusive groups, and make an effort to engage with a variety of coworkers. If someone tries to pull you into a negative conversation, a simple response – “I’d rather focus on work” or “Let’s talk about something else” – can shut down the conversation without creating unnecessary tension.

If you find yourself frequently frustrated or tempted to complain to your coworkers, look for healthy outlets outside of work. Talking to someone you trust, journaling, or engaging in other stress-relief activities can help you process your frustrations without adding to or creating any workplace drama.

Inspire a More Positive Workplace

It takes effort from everyone to create a better work environment. Even if you’re not in a leadership position, you can still make a difference by setting a positive example. 

Some strategies could include:

• Building relationships across teams by getting to know colleagues from different departments
• Complimenting coworkers when they do a great job, whether in person or through a team-wide email
• Encouraging transparency by directly discussing your concerns with those involved rather than through office gossip
• Treating others with respect, even if you don’t always see eye to eye

A positive attitude is contagious. When enough employees focus on encouragement rather than derision, it goes a long way toward improving the company’s culture.

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When It’s Time to Move On

If gossip and exclusion have made your workplace unbearable, it might be time to begin looking for a new opportunity. Constant negativity can take a harsh toll on your well-being, especially if it starts affecting your engagement, job performance, or mental wellness. If gossip is making it hard to focus, or you dread coming to work, it’s worth considering whether the job is still a good fit for you.

In some cases, human resources can help address pernicious behavior. However, if you have reported concerns and nothing changes, leadership may not prioritize a healthy work culture. Feeling isolated or shut out of opportunities is another red flag. If cliques are making it difficult to collaborate and advance in your role, staying may not be worth it.

Another indicator that it’s time to move on is if the toxic work environment extends beyond just gossip and cliques. If you notice unethical behavior, a lack of accountability, or favoritism that affects promotions and opportunities, staying in that environment could hurt your long-term career growth – and your self-worth.

Choose a Workplace That Values Respect

Gossip and cliques in the workplace can be frustrating, but they don’t have to define your experience. By refusing to engage in negativity, encouraging a positive work culture, and knowing when to walk away, you can protect your professional reputation and mental well-being.

For more tips, resources, motivation, and helpful information, check out our Job Seeker Resource Center.