Office Gossip

Everybody does it, don’t they? The better questions should be, should everyone be gossiping? When you were young you were probably taught that talking about others is bad and yet it is still done. Occasionally articles will surface that recommend some gossiping in an office. The problem that is in general gossip can be hurtful and the affects are long lasting. The bigger problem is often that people do not realize that they are gossiping.

Think about the last time you and your co-workers were discussing a patient. What were you discussing? Was it really relevant to her care that she was wearing something that you wouldn’t be caught dead in or that she is dating someone you know? Put yourself in her shoes, how would you feel if you had overhead the conversation? Even if the conversation was medical in nature, do you have a need-to-know and was it necessary? Could this be a HIPAA breech? Are you discussing confidential patient information? Could any patient or staff member that did not need to hear the information, possibly hear what was being said?

What to do if confronted with gossip-
Find out if your practice has a policy already in place and if so follow policy.
Tell the other person that you do not wish to be a part of the discussion and walk away or change the topic.
Just because you heard something, doesn’t mean you have to spread it. Let the gossip stop and die with you. Don’t be the one spreading a rumor.
If a person continues to gossip, confront them and ask them why they are discussing something that is not their business? Remind them that this is not the place for it and it is especially a bad idea to discuss patients.
If someone gossiped about you, confront them. This gives them a chance to clarify what was said or what they meant; it might be a simple misunderstanding. If they were gossiping, most will stop when confronted.
If problems continue discuss with supervisor.

There are times when gossip is a good thing. For example, if you overhear other staff plotting something that could hurt or harm others or the practice, then you should do something and report it. If you knew that two co-workers have been discussing how they took some cash from the co-pays, you should report it. If you don’t’ then you could be held responsible for withholding information. If they know that you overheard, it is even possible that they blame you for the theft to clear themselves. Always ask yourself, what is the right thing to do and then do it. If you think it is wrong, then guess what, it probably is wrong! Be sure of your facts before reporting something and be as clear as possible. You should present the facts and try to remain as professional as possible. This is someone else’s job and their life you are affecting. Therefore it is important to be discreet, but remain honest and true to yourself and to the practice.

Ask yourself when it comes to discussing others, how would you feel if the shoe was on the other foot and it was you in their place? Do to them, what you would want them to do to you (and possibly even better).