Seven Types of Office Gossip That May Get You Fired

Topics to Avoid Spreading Around in an Office Environment

Although most modern worker bees are more likely to congregate around the nearest computer terminal than the water cooler, office gossip is very much a reality. Close-knit communities of staffers frequently become incestuous in a shockingly brief span of time, and just about everyone know what everyone did (or didn't do) last weekend. But when do you cross the line between harmless office fun and a firing offense? These seven types of office gossip are most likely to get you fired.

1- Crime

I think you're probably safe if you and the guy in the next cubicle are laughing about a coworker's string of traffic tickets, but serious crime has no place in office gossip. Ten to one, you work or have worked in the past with someone who has a criminal record, and spreading rumors about same is never smart.

Even if you have it on good authority that the mail room guy killed his first two wives, you might want to keep it to yourself or risk getting fired. This type of office gossip leads to complaints of harassment and discrimination.

2- Alcohol or Drug Addiction

If you've ever been addicted to anything, you know that addiction is no laughing matter. Keep the office gossip to harmless news like your coworker's shiny new BMW, and avoid spreading rumors about drug or alcohol addiction. The slightest provocation can send a recovering addict straight back to his vice, and you might get fired for starting something you shouldn't.

In general, you want to avoid office gossip that could potentially harm a coworker, even if you aren't worried about losing your job. This type of behavior will cause you to be ostracized by the other people at the office, and no one wants to feel left out.

3- Infidelity

You know that your immediate supervisor is having an affair with his married secretary, so who should you share this juicy news with? Absolutely nobody. This type of office gossip can have a ripple effect that will usually get you fired, and you probably aren't doing much for your karma by getting involved in your supervisor's private life.