Here's a great article found on www.personneltoday.com.

So recently I featured a posting about 'moofing' now Office Angels has coined the phrase 'smossiping' (smoking outside while having a gossip). Apparently, according to a survey revealed today by Office Angels, 14% of over 1000 UK workers prefer to smossip as a way of relaying office news. Let's face it we all love a bit of office gossip, as the survey continues to reveal that:

- Almost one in three office workers cower in the canteen or local cafe
- One fifth discuss more than last night’s TV by the water cooler
- 17% tinkle on their key board on IM/email or send a sneaky text

However, there's always a catch when gossiping. While 35% have heard someone talking about them behind their back, more than a quarter have had a working relationship ruined by office gossiping and over 15% have been caught discussing their boss’ behaviour.

David Clubb, managing director of Office Angels, comments:

“While office chit-chat is part of working life there can be a fine line between social interaction and nasty gossip. It's important to maintain a professional attitude at all times, starting rumours about colleagues undermines working relationships and can lead to an atmosphere of mistrust, impacting on performance. If you are seen to start malicious gossip, both your colleagues and senior management will view you as someone who doesn’t think values such as honesty and integrity are important.”

His gossip rules are as follows:·
· Immerse yourself in friendly chit-chat, but be aware not to partake in gossiping at the expense of another employee. Office walls have ears and it is easy to trace gossip back to the source
· We all need to let off steam occasionally but it’s best to discuss other colleagues or your boss with people separate from your working life, where other people’s opinions won’t be affected.
· Consider whether you want to be seen as a gossipy person. Everyone likes to know about the latest office ‘scandal’ whether it’s a blossoming relationship in the office or a colleague handing in their notice but you don’t need to be the first person to tell everyone all of the time
· Be careful who you confide in. Be aware that whilst light-hearted office gossip does forge friendships, the work place is a very competitive environment. Only confide in true friends or pay a visit to your HR Manager if you’ve got something on your mind
· The old adage rings true – treat others and you would like to be treated.