Monday, July 13, 2015

Gossiper in the Workplace

When starting a new job there will always be some employees who will insist on filling you in on workplace gossip. Gossip is the seed to all rumors, and it’s germinated by telling others; becomes an unwise and unprofessional practice. A new employee may become overwhelmed feeling akin to falling in a pit of vipers hissing negative, malicious words; until overtaxed eardrums wants to mute out the offensive gossip.

This is where a shrewd manager will be monitoring the training of a new employee. And, do not be surprised if this does not happen in your training.

Most managers are naïve to the fact their most trusted trainer is the office gossip who fuels rumors with updates like the news media with the boss as the main subject.

By now you are asking yourself how she knows this happens; because it has happened to me---twice in training. I found the wisest thing to do is accidentally on purpose interrupted with a work related question; while I made a note to never listen to this woman’s gossiping tidbits when training was over.

I remember thinking at one point if this was the right company for me---when she went on habitually talking about nearly everyone in the company except her close friends; whom I found out later did not really like her. I felt sad and embarrassed for her then; at the same time chastising my soft heart for feelings I often have for others undeserving of them.

At the end of training my new boss came in to ask how everything was going; so I answered in a professional manner that I had acquired the basic knowledge of my duties to fulfill my job. She seemed pleased by my answer and told me my trainer was her most trusted employee. I cringed silently, learning long ago that someone like my new boss would need to find out on her own about her ­­employee. And, a few years later she did.­­

After my training, the spreader of rumors came in my office while I was on an important phone call and said in my other ear someone was getting fired today. Then, she left like a puff of smoking gossip to the next person.

When the opportunity occurred I told her if I could not say something positive about someone I did not speak at all. She looked at me as if I had grown another head and walked out of my office and did not speak to me for two weeks. I enjoyed those two weeks as the “Power Seeker” continued without damaging my ears and turning my stomach.

Afterwards, she never said another negative word to me about anyone. And, don’t think for one minute she stopped her rumor train because other rode it with her.

One day I caught her listening through the boss’ closed door while she was talking to another employee. When she got enough gossip she shared her knowledge with others as I watched her flit from one to the other like a hummingbird searching for nectar. Remember to be wary of the gossiper they only want a bone to carry with your name on it.

Are you wondering why I didn’t tell the boss about her eavesdropping because I found out when an employee told her anything she made a big production out of it my calling in the other party which led to a shouting match. This was so unprofessional, that I blocked it out of my mind and put my full attention on my duties.





Possible Results from Office Gossip:
  •  Legal Liability Claims Increased
  •  Slander
  •  Defamation Claims
  •  Large Employee Turnover
  • Harassment or Discrimination Claims against the company and guilty employee
  • Company secrets shared with outside parties
  •  Lost productive hours
  • Spending more money on training new employees
  •  Depression of targeted employees
  •  Absenteeism increases
  • Office Tension rises
  •  Stressful Work Environment
  • Good employees dread coming to work


A tip to new employees when caught in a workplace where office gossip is rampant:
·        Never listen to gossip.
·        Never add to the gossip.
·        State as kindly as possible that you only speak in a positive manner about anyone.
·        If you cannot say something nice---do not speak.
·        Communicate in a professional manner with other employees and you will be surprise when others start to emulate you.
·        When other employees find out you do not gossip your workplace ambiance will improve.


Note to Employers: Be cautious about implementing the “No Gossip” rule in your policies and procedures. Review with the company attorney and check the information with The National Labor Relations Board to keep your company legally correct.

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Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Employees are Still Overlooked and Unappreciated at Work

When someone’s overlooked for a position they felt qualified for because of their longevity, education, experience and skills; should they speak their concerns to their boss? There are numerous answers to this question and this is one of those times I would use the positive and negative analysis list for my decision. Often employees feel ignored and unappreciated by those who benefit from their productive workload, and I am concerned its become common in the present workforce of today.

List each question that is important to you in an honest assessment of the overlooked position. Include if you feel that age was a factor, favoritism, or if the person’s popularity came into play. 

Don’t forget to analyze the position and its hours, duties, overtime and stress. Complete your due-diligence then, think it through leaving no doubt of the final answer. Why? I recommend a savvy employee to gather all the information before a decision’s made.

There are many possibilities: One being you might get a better promotion in the future. There might be a reason for this person getting the promotion because the company plans a layoff or to eliminate the job later to downsize the business. A boss isn’t obligated to tell employees the plans for the company. However, a company that respects its employees will explain even after the fact.



It is important you do not let this become an issue that affects your attitude at work. I lived by these words: “Rise above it” and believe me there were so many times I felt like packing up my personal things and walking out. Why didn’t I? I loved the work and most of the people. We are humans after all; and everyone needs to feel appreciated even if it is once a year.

After you made your list and still feel the need to talk to your boss then do it. Make sure your attitude is not accusing or unprofessional when stating your concerns. You might be satisfied with the answers you received and if you are not; then it might be time to update your résumé and seek another company to work for that you feel will value and appreciate your work ethic and knowledge.

Remember, even though life is not always fair does not mean it is necessary to accept what we feel in our hearts is not ethical. I know it is difficult going to a job daily when we are unhappy; feeling this way is not good for you, your health or the business. Only happy employees are productive; so do not let anything or anyone make going to work an unpleasant chore.

Never gage your life and your happiness by what is happening with others. Your Boss might think you are the only one who can do your job as well; so even though looking out for your best interest is important do not forget you are also important to the company or you would not be there.

When you feel a little blue about your workplace; pause a moment and think about the millions who are still unemployed, old, and young, parents with families who are out of work because of Globalization and American Companies that do not hire the unemployed. 

After pausing, be thankful you have a job and a paycheck to look forward to for you and your family. Do not let the politics of a workplace affects you in any way because compared to your family’s happiness it is not important. And, I know about workplace politics---I could write a book about it---and I might.

Don’t be a sponge saturated with office negativity and politics it will only weight down your spirit and make your life unpleasant; take a deep breath and exhale the imprudent ambiance, and rise above it. You are the master of your attitude---don’t let circumstance or other people affect your feelings.
© BEPH 2015 All Rights Reserved

PurvisBobbi44 is the sole author of this article and if it is seen anywhere else on the
Internet or in print it was taken without my consent and is strictly prohibited.

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Friday, March 27, 2015

Inept Employee Trainer

Life is wonderful because you landed that perfect job; with a great salary and benefits. You met with HR, the manager and supervisor of the department. They are professional and friendly in your first meeting. You are floating on a white cloud with a silver lining; what a wonderful day.

After you signed all the papers with HR; she informed you that Monday will be your first day. And, to bring a pad and pen to take notes because you will begin training for a week. She stressed it’s very important to listen and write any pertinent information your trainer will give you; and to ask any questions.

Monday morning is here and you have stressed about your first day of training and you hope the trainer is efficient. The HR manager introduces you to Betty who will train you and this is when you find out she is the one leaving the company. And, your heart sinks into your stomach because you do not feel great about this person.

Betty was nice enough, but she stays on the phone most of the morning taking care of her moving to another city. She talks to her movers, her mother, her girlfriend, the apartment manager and the cleaning company that will clean after she moves out.

Finally, it is 11 a.m.  Betty smiles and says, “It is time for our break.” And, at this point the only thing you would like to break is the pencil you are holding; ready to write. As a trainee you have learned nothing this morning.

After the break, Betty proceeds to inform or rather gossip about the other employees, managers and supervisors. And, the pad is still blank---no notes there, however, you have notes of Betty’s voice ringing in your ears.

You look at Betty and wonder how she got this job in the first place. Next, it is time for lunch and your stomach is in knots of stress because you know it will fall on you if your training is incomplete professionally.

The first day ended without the first note, and you feel like crying because a solution is not in sight. What do you do?

The next morning you say to Betty---“I have a question, is it true that if I am not trained correctly with a pad full of notes by Friday that you will not get your last paycheck or references from the company?” 

I am here to learn everything about this job. So, I am ready to begin. And, then see if Betty doesn’t get busy training the correct way.

The correct procedures the company should follow:

1.) The supervisor meets with Betty going over each step of the job two weeks before training.

2.) A training book outlining the duties in sequence for each day.

3.) Including lists of contacts, company names, emails, and phone numbers if applicable.

4.) List of contacts within the company, titles, emails and phone numbers.

5.) List of reports the employee is responsible for completing: daily, weekly, monthly, annual reports and deadlines.

6.) Weekly staff meetings to attend and information to prepare for a presentation if applicable.

7.) Make sure all forms are available for the new employee.

8.) Supervisors should meet with the new employee at the end of the first day to answer any questions.

Perceptive companies that are successfully efficient continues employees retraining in updated computer programs, tutorials, as well as attending classes and seminars. The importance in development and training methods used in teaching and educating a new employee makes the difference between a productive or frustrated employee.

Companies should furnish small libraries with updated books, videos and computer webinars for groups or individuals. All employees are required to maintain their level of education as a valuable asset to the company. This is free education and a great addition to an employee résumé.

This applies to Financial Institutions, Insurance Companies, Electric Companies, Gas Companies, Aviation Companies, Water Companies, and Universities to name a few. If a company has more than five employees this should apply for training, retraining and cross-training.
© BEPH 2015 All Rights Reserved

PurvisBobbi44 is the sole author of this article and if it is seen anywhere
else on the Internet or in print it was taken without my consent.


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