Building Trust Through Better Communication
Gossip may seem harmless, but in the workplace it can erode trust, spread misinformation, and damage team culture. Without guidance, small rumors can quickly grow into major distractions. This microlesson delivers skills training to help employees reduce gossip, communicate directly, and build a more respectful and productive environment.
Microlesson Description
This microlesson shows how employees vent and gossip after receiving an assignment and news that a coworker, who is struggling with a mental health challenge, will be out of the office. This kind of conduct can cross the line and violate company policies and the law. Aside from the legal perspective, there are culture and respect issues being violated as well.Key Concepts
- Creating a work culture that works for everyone is hard - and doesn't happen on its own.
- Every day, the choices we make as individuals can support a positive work culture.
- Nothing is more important than the way we treat each other. Gossiping and disparaging comments hurt culture, can violate our policies and could violate the law.
Microlesson Features
- Employee sentiment pulsing questions that provide leaders with insights into their workforce's core cultural competencies
- Emtrain's Expert Answers tool, enabling employeees to submit anonymous questions about sensitive issues.
- Rich, contemporary video scences illustrating key concepts through realistic scenarios
- A data driven, skill-based approach to eLearning that establishes a shared language for employees.
How to Use this Lesson
Each Emtrain microlesson blends real-world video scenarios, interactive surveys, and expert insights to build stronger workplace skills. Learners gain practical actions they can apply right away, while HR leaders see measurable insights into team behaviors. And with every training plan, you get access to all 90+ microlessons across communication, inclusion, compliance, and leadership.
Teach
Learn through real-world examples and instructional content that highlight the do’s and don’ts of workplace interactions. Employees explore key concepts, see how different situations play out, and discover practical ways to build stronger, more respectful connections.
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Discover
Go beyond training with Emtrain Intelligence. Embedded surveys capture employee experiences and provide benchmarks so you can understand how your team compares to global peers.
Try it now and see how Emtrain Intelligence works with this lesson.
Apply It - Take Action
Turn insights into action with clear steps for improving workplace habits. Learners walk away with practical guidance to apply immediately, while HR leaders gain data to support ongoing culture improvements.
Preview this lesson now to see the actions your team can take to make in impact — free access.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions that employees and managers have about this topic. These FAQs provide a preview of what you’ll learn in this microlesson and why it matters.
Q
Why is workplace gossip harmful to team culture?
Workplace gossip is harmful because it spreads misinformation, erodes trust, and creates a toxic environment that distracts from productivity.
Q
Can gossip be considered harassment or bullying?
Gossip can be considered harassment or bullying when it targets individuals, spreads falsehoods, or creates a hostile work environment.
Q
How does gossip undermine inclusion and respect at work?
Gossip undermines inclusion and respect at work by marginalizing employees, spreading bias, and excluding people from fair opportunities.
Q
What policies help minimize gossip and rumor-spreading?
Policies that help minimize gossip include clear codes of conduct, communication standards, and accountability mechanisms for rumor-spreading.
Q
How should managers address gossip without escalating conflict?
Managers should address gossip without escalating conflict by focusing on facts, redirecting conversations, and addressing issues privately with empathy.
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