Fancy a smossoip?

Smossiping (smoking outside while having a gossip) is the preferred method of relaying office news for one in seven (14%) UK workers. Weíve had smirting since the smoking ban, now weíve got smossiping, according to new research.

With nearly three quarters (74%) of workers saying they look forward to catching up with their work colleagues the next day, the survey of over 1,000 workers carried out by Office Angels, the UKís leading secretarial recruitment consultancy also reveals the other top gossip Hot Spots for workmates in 2007:

- Almost one in three office workers (28%) cower in the canteen or local cafe

- One fifth (19%) discuss more than last nightís TV by the water cooler

- 17% tinkle on their key board on IM/email or send a sneaky text

- One in ten (10%) take a brisk walk around the block to really let loose

Careless Whispers
Thereís a fine line between harmless gossiping and nastiness as a third of office workers have found out. More than a third (35%) have heard someone talking about them behind their back, more than a quarter (26%) have had a working relationship ruined by office gossiping and over 15% have been caught discussing their bossí behaviour! However, the matter has not been taken lightly for 7% whoíve been reprimanded for taking gossip too far.

Eyes and ears
It seems receptionists are the eyes, ears and mouths of the office. A quarter (25%) of receptionists have caught their boss gossiping about a colleague - and told them. Over one in ten (13%) of receptionists nationwide have been reprimanded for gossiping, compared with only one in five (6%) of workers on the office ëfloorí.

David Clubb, Managing Director of Office Angels comments:

ìWhile office chit-chat is part of working life there can be a fine line between social interaction and nasty gossip. It is 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 doesnít think values such as honesty and integrity are important.î

David Clubbís Gossip Gospel: Rules for striking a successful balance between banter and bitchiness

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 itís best to discuss other colleagues or your boss with people separate from your working life, where other peopleís opinions wonít be affected.

Consider whether you want to be seen as a gossipy person. Everyone likes to know about the latest office ëscandalí whether itís a blossoming relationship in the office or a colleague handing in their notice but you donít 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 youíve got something on your mind

The old adage rings true ñ treat others and you would like to be treated.

Gender Differences
It may come as no surprise that 40% of male office workers claim not to gossip a jot, compared with only 23% of their females counterparts.

The subtle pinging of an Instant Message alert is also far more likely to pop up on a female office workers screen, being the chosen gossip method of one in five women (21%) compared with one in ten men (12%).