Amethyst, if you have tried the approach of speaking with this "gossip monger" and tell this poor excuse for a human being that they are not being mature or kind/nice, unfortunately, you have no choice but to speak to a supervisor (if there is one). Of course, discretion is necessary as the supervisor must also not be an IDIOT and approach this in a sensitive manner so as not to alert the person where this information came from anda create additional problems of animosity. It would help if you can back this up in an e-mail to the supervisor but make sure you mark the e-mail/memo "highly confidential" so there is no mistaking the contents or who should have access to it.
It helps if your boss/supervisor can step back and take the necessary action by just simply saying I don't want this kind of unprofessional behavior in the office. Unfortunately, because our society has become a litigous one there are so many unexpected turns/roads so NO ONE wants to correct such behavior. It could be construed as "creating/enabling a hostile working environment" but difficult to "prove".
Me, I just slam someone like this - no bars hold! But, that's another story!
HTH
Originally Posted by Amethyst Speaking of which...I don't know what the law is...but when one co-worker constantly gossips and speaks bad about another co-worker, is that grounds for a hostile work environment? Forget about even a law suit...I'm talking about just discussing the matter with your boss about this person...and saying that you want it to stop....its creating a hostile work environment because you overhear this person speaking about you behind your back.
