Can gossip can help graduates build trust, learn faster, and thrive at work?

“The mouth should have three gatekeepers, is it true, kind or necessary” Anon

Table of Contents

• Why Gossiping Might Actually Be Good for Graduates

• When do you start gossiping?

• Difference between good and bad gossip!

• Reshape gossip

Why Gossiping Might Actually Be Good for Graduates

Let’s be honest—most of us gossip. Whether it’s over coffee with friends or during a quick chat at work, we share stories about who did what and why. While gossip often gets a bad rap, the truth is that not all gossip is toxic. In fact, for graduates stepping into the “real world,” gossiping—done the right way—can be surprisingly good for growth, connection, and learning.

When do you start gossiping?

When graduates start new jobs or postgraduate programs, they enter unfamiliar environments filled with unwritten rules. Gossip can act as a kind of social GPS. Hearing that “everyone respects the manager who gives honest feedback” or that “the intern who always volunteers got a full-time offer” teaches you what behaviours are valued. This kind of good gossip helps newcomers understand the culture and navigate it more wisely.

Good gossip can also build relationships. Sharing observations or small stories about others can spark empathy and trust. For example, talking about how a colleague handled a tricky project with grace might inspire you to do the same. It spreads positivity and reinforces shared values—without tearing anyone down. In that sense, gossip becomes a quiet form of mentorship.

Difference between good and bad gossip!

There’s a big difference between good gossip and bad gossip. Bad gossip sounds like this: “Did you hear that Sam totally messed up the presentation?” or “I think Taylor’s not pulling their weight.” That kind of talk damages reputations, fuels insecurity, and makes people wary of one another. It’s toxic, and sooner or later, it reflects more on the person spreading it than on the person being discussed.

Good gossip, on the other hand, sounds more like: “I heard Sam stayed late to fix the slides after that mix-up—talk about dedication!” Same story, completely different energy. One creates division; the other builds respect.

Reshape gossip

For graduates, the takeaway is simple: don’t silence gossip—reshape it. Use it to learn, connect, and encourage others. The next time you share a story, ask yourself whether it’s helping someone grow or just pulling someone down. When used with empathy and curiosity, gossip isn’t just chatter—it’s a mirror reflecting what kind of person, colleague, or leader you want to be.