Workplace gossip worsens trust issues in U.S., LiveCareer survey finds

GUAYNABO, PUERTO RICO — Workplace gossip is a persistent presence in American offices, with 58% of employees witnessing it at least once a week and nearly a third encountering it daily, according to a new LiveCareer survey.

Far from harmless chatter, the survey of 1,006 U.S. workers on February 14 revealed that gossip is actively eroding trust, straining morale, and even threatening career advancement.

The survey reveals that gossip most often centers around professional performance, with 55% of respondents reporting that discussions about colleagues’ work tasks and promotions are the most common topics. Personal matters are also frequent fodder for the rumor mill.

Trust and morale take a hit

Nearly half of workers (47%) say that gossip creates tension and distrust in the workplace. Another 47% admit they do not trust anyone at work with confidential information. 

Morale and career advancement also suffer. Forty-seven percent believe gossip negatively affects workplace morale, while 39% say it has harmed their career progression. 

Where gossip breeds and who spreads it

Mid-level employees are considered the main culprits, with 53% of those surveyed saying this group spreads the most gossip. In contrast, only 6% believe senior leadership is heavily involved.

Gossip thrives in informal settings, with 48% of respondents identifying break rooms and shared spaces as the primary locations for office chatter. One-on-one conversations (36%) and after-work events (10%) are also common venues.

“The HR departments of employers pushing for a return to office may find themselves dealing with a serious uptick in workplace drama,” said Jasmine Escalera, career expert for LiveCareer. 

“It’s clear in-person interactions encourage the greatest amount of gossiping and companies are likely to find themselves missing the low-key atmosphere that came with remote and hybrid work.”

A 2024 Indeed survey also revealed that gossiping co-workers, swearing, and flirting in the office are driving employees to stay remote, even as bosses urge a return. 

Personal impact and regret

The impact of gossip is personal for many. According to the LiveCareer survey, 43% have been the subject of workplace rumors. The spread of misinformation is also common, with 20% admitting to sharing gossip that later proved false and regretting it. Another 12% discovered they had spread inaccurate information but felt no remorse.