Tackling Workplace Gossip
Who doesn’t love a good office gossip? Hushed conversations by the coffee machine, knowing glances across the office, colleagues who “just thought you should know” – it’s all just harmless banter, right? Not quite. While gossip might seem like an inevitable part of office life, the reality is much less entertaining. Workplace backbiting can destroy trust, drain morale, and impact team productivity.
Few people understand this better than Norwegian psychotherapist Glenn Rolfsen. With over two decades of experience in psychotherapy, Glenn has dedicated his career to helping businesses tackle workplace negativity head-on. His innovative “Gozzip” method has been transforming office cultures worldwide, earning him recognition at TEDx talks and WHO conferences.
Glenn brought his expertise to Gibraltar, speaking at the 2023 GibSams Wellbeing at Work event. In this interview, he shares the inspiration behind his approach, why backbiting is more damaging than we realise, and how small businesses in Gibraltar can build healthier, more positive office cultures.
Could you start by telling me what led you to focus on workplace gossip and backbiting?
My journey into workplace dynamics started in my practice as a psychotherapist, where I repeatedly encountered the deep emotional impact of work environments on mental health. I’ve always been fascinated by human behaviour – why we do what we do, especially in social settings. Over the years, I worked closely with leaders and teams and noticed a recurring theme: gossip and backbiting were silently eroding trust, lowering morale, and even contributing to burnout and mental health struggles. This realisation sparked a passion in me to create practical solutions that don’t just address conflicts but actually prevent them.
What inspired you to develop your Gozzip Concept, and how does it differ from traditional conflict resolution?
Gozzip was born out of necessity. Time and time again, I saw how small, seemingly harmless conversations could escalate into major workplace conflicts. Traditional methods of conflict resolution focus on fixing problems after they’ve already caused damage. Gozzip flips that approach – it’s about prevention. It helps people recognise early on how their words shape workplace culture and gives teams a framework to shift their conversations toward openness and respect. What makes it unique is that it empowers everyone, not just leaders, to take responsibility for the tone of their workplace.
From your experience, why does gossip thrive in workplaces?
Gossip often thrives in environments where uncertainty, competition, and insecurity exist. When employees don’t have clear information or feel unheard, they naturally seek validation or clarity through informal channels. It’s also a survival mechanism – people try to navigate workplace politics by aligning themselves with groups or power structures. Another key factor is the lack of psychological safety. If people don’t feel safe to express concerns directly, they’ll resort to talking behind closed doors.
Some people might argue that gossip is a natural part of social interactions. When does it become harmful, and what impact does that have?
Gossip is a part of human nature – it’s how we bond and share stories. But the line between healthy social interaction and harmful gossip lies in intention and impact. If the conversation builds trust and connection, it’s positive. If it isolates, misleads, or damages someone’s reputation, it becomes destructive. In workplaces, toxic gossip creates an undercurrent of fear and mistrust, draining energy that should be focused on collaboration and innovation. It also increases stress and absenteeism – people don’t thrive in environments where they feel they have to watch their backs.
How can business owners identify when workplace gossip is becoming a problem? Are there any early warning signs?
Yes, and the earlier you spot them, the better. If you notice rising tensions, an increase in misunderstandings, or employees hesitating to speak openly in meetings, those are warning signs. High turnover and frequent complaints about colleagues can also indicate a culture where indirect communication is causing damage. One of the most telling signs is when people avoid certain coworkers or become guarded in their interactions.
How can small business owners manage gossip in tight-knit teams?
Small teams are like families – there’s less anonymity, so personal dynamics are amplified. The key is to set clear expectations early on. Leaders should model direct and respectful communication and encourage employees to address concerns head-on rather than through third parties. A simple but powerful rule I suggest is the ‘no triangle’ rule – if you have an issue with someone, speak to them directly, not to a third person. Creating an environment where people feel safe to be honest prevents a lot of unnecessary negativity.
Can you share some steps for small business owners to create a gossip-free work culture?
- Define Clear Communication Norms – Set clear expectations for respectful conversations.
- Lead by Example – Leaders must practice what they preach.
- Encourage Direct Conversations – Provide training in constructive feedback and conflict resolution.
- Recognise Positive Contributions – People who feel valued are less likely to engage in negative talk.
- Foster Psychological Safety – Create a workplace where employees feel safe expressing concerns openly.
At the 2023 GibSams event, what key insights did you share? Are there any Gibraltar-specific challenges?
My keynote at GibSams focused on the deep connection between workplace communication and mental health. I spoke about how a culture of trust and transparency can prevent stress-related issues and even play a role in suicide prevention. One challenge I noticed in Gibraltar’s small business community is the overlap between personal and professional relationships – it’s a tight-knit place where colleagues often know each other outside of work. This can be a strength but also a challenge when professional boundaries get blurred. Defining clear communication norms is even more critical in such environments.
What’s one immediate step Gibraltar’s business owners can take to improve communication?
Start with self-awareness. A leader’s communication style sets the tone for the entire team. My advice? Take an honest look at how you communicate. Are you encouraging direct and constructive dialogue? Are you unintentionally reinforcing a culture where indirect talk is the norm? By being mindful of their own behaviour, leaders can create a ripple effect that changes the workplace dynamic.
Finally, what do you hope people take away from your work, and what’s next for you in this field?
I want people to realise that workplace culture isn’t just about efficiency – it’s about well-being. When people feel psychologically safe, they perform better, collaborate more effectively, and experience less stress. My next step is to continue expanding my work on workplace mental health, particularly in suicide prevention. I’m developing the next evolution of the Gozzip model – ‘Gozzip 2025’ – to help organisations create workplaces where people don’t just survive but truly thrive.
SHARE THIS
OTHER
The Treaty between the EU and the UK over Gibraltar is finally giving us some clarity, and yet, it also reminds us just how much sits outside our control. The finer details will take months to surface. Political tides may shift. Promises will be tested by practicalities. Every day, we face issues beyond our reach: new legislation, competitor actions, market trends, customer behaviour, staff turnover, illness, family responsibilities, global events. All of it lives in what Stephen Covey calls the Circle of Concern - things we care about, but cannot directly change. The more we fixate on them, the more frustration can grow.
When it comes to ideation in business, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Every business, team, and leader has their own way of generating and refining ideas. Whether it’s through structured brainstorming sessions, casual conversations, or solo reflection, the goal is to unlock creativity and find solutions. We’ve asked four GFSB members to share how they approach ideation in their fields. As you read, think about how you generate ideas and remember that sometimes, the best results come from trying something new.
Starting and running a small business is rewarding but comes with its fair share of challenges. The path of entrepreneurship is often characterised by immense dedication, long hours, and tough decisions. As a small business owner, you're not just responsible for the operations and growth of your company and team, but also for your own wellbeing.
If, like me, you spend more time than you should doom scrolling LinkedIn, you could be tempted into thinking no-one fails. LinkedIn has become a hyperbolic haven and a place to scream and shout about success. But what about failures - why aren’t we talking about them? In business, failure is inevitable. I mean it. Whether it's a product flop, a marketing misstep, or a company on the brink of collapse, every entrepreneur will face moments that test them. Yet, history has shown that these failures can often be the starting point for something extraordinary.
Gibraltar has long been home to many international businesses. Gaming giants, UK-based insurance companies and far-flung fintech firms are all drawn here thanks to our strategic location and business-friendly environment. Carl Clavering moved his insurance business to Gibraltar, and it’s safe to say, it’s transformed his life. When I caught up with Carl, it was clear that his decision to relocate wasn't just about tax advantages or access to the UK market —it was about finding a place that felt like home, both for his business and his family.
In the latest edition of Thrive, regular contributor John Hayes reflects on the uncertainty facing small and medium-sized businesses in Gibraltar. From Brexit fallout to ever-changing frontier delays, he unpacks why the border remains a top concern—and how local firms are adapting. While resolving post-Brexit cross-border issues is beyond the scope of this correspondent, there are practical steps business owners can take to mitigate and manage the challenges of this uncertainty.
Whilst Brexit hasn’t exactly been a positive event, we can’t deny that it’s also been the catalyst for diversification and change. It was a true ‘before and after’ moment that made businesses rethink their strategies and, in many cases, change their direction of travel. Gibraltar’s newest bank, justbank, is born from this process. As well as heralding the arrival of a new bank, this fresh start gave the team at IDT Finance the opportunity to create innovative and tailored banking solutions from the ground up. I met with Managing Director, Damian Asquez, and Head of Corporate Banking, Nikolai Gafan, to find out more.
Artificial Intelligence promises unprecedented opportunities for small business owners in Gibraltar. As the digital landscape faces constant evolution, understanding AI becomes not just beneficial but essential for businesses aiming to thrive in 2024. In this article, we aim to demystify the complexities surrounding AI, offering an approachable guide to its fundamentals, history, and practical applications for businesses, providing you with the knowledge to embrace this technology confidently.
We’ve said it before and it’s only getting louder: AI is reshaping how businesses work. From chatbots and smart analytics to automated content and decision-making tools, AI is helping smaller firms punch well above their weight. But with that power comes responsibility. As AI use grows, so do the risks around data privacy, and under GDPR, getting it wrong can mean serious fines and lasting reputational damage.
My name is John Hayes, and I'm a really busy guy. Busy procrastinating most of the time. You wouldn't believe how many unessential tasks I had to complete before sitting down and writing this article. Those sales reports and emails don't check themselves. Yep, I've been busy. Busy doing nothing. We've all had one of those days where we feel like we've been incredibly "busy" - but can't quite put our finger on what we actually accomplished. Maybe we spent three hours answering emails, another two fiddling with a spreadsheet no one asked for, and another hour in a meeting that could have been an email or WhatsApp message. At the end of it all, the to-do list somehow got longer, not shorter.
Over the past 18 years, I've had the privilege of working with a diverse range of businesses and industries, gaining insights into the challenges they face in implementing effective diversity and inclusion strategies. Often, DEI&B is viewed as a 'nice to have' rather than an essential component of business success. With this in mind, I'm excited to share valuable insights and practical steps to help you create environments where everyone can thrive. You've probably heard of DEI&B, but what do these letters really mean, and why do they matter for you and your organisation? Diversity includes differences like race, gender, age, neurodiversity, disability, LGBTQ+, culture, and more; Equity ensures equal opportunities for all; Inclusion values everyone's contributions; and Belonging means individuals feel accepted and integral to the organisation.
With its largely service-based economy, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Gibraltar didn't have to deal with the problem of toxic waste, perhaps more commonly seen in countries reliant on manufacturing, mining and even agriculture. However, every gaming company, insurance firm, fintech organisation, retailer, restaurant, and literally every other business on the Rock is potentially responsible for producing a particularly nasty waste byproduct - e-waste.
When stakeholder conversations become difficult, most organisations focus on communication. Kerstin Andlaw argues the real issue runs deeper. It is not what we say, but how we stay in the relationship when pressure rises. In complex environments, the ability to work with tension, not avoid it, is what separates transactional engagement from true collaboration.
Mental health issues affect us all. How we manage our daily stresses and anxieties have an impact on our relationships, how we perform in our job and the workplace environment, and our outlook on life. Becoming self-aware of what affects us, managing how we respond to triggers and using tools to help us work through them, are all part of our journey towards MENTAL FITNESS, which is how we should be positively defining it.
During a recent and very long overdue catch up with my friend Trina, I had one of those ‘Aha moments’. To be fair, as someone who spends a lot of time interviewing experts, these moments happen to me a lot, but this one was different. In the 20 years Trina and I have been friends, she’s developed marketing strategies for global brands including Coca Cola, Virgin Atlantic, Nestlé and IKEA . Impressive stuff, but it’s what she’s working on now that really got me thinking…Taking inspiration from the military and politics, Trina and her business partners set up The Competitive Wargaming Team and now deliver secret, scenario-based ‘corporate war rooms’ for senior leaders designed to predict and outmaneuver competitor moves.
Finding time to sit down with a book can feel like a luxury sometimes. We seem to be pulled in all sorts of directions, yet many of us still want to learn and stay exposed to new ideas. Podcasts have filled part of that gap. They’re accessible, conversational and easy to consume while commuting or […]
For many businesses, standing out from the crowd in an already crowded marketplace is a mammoth task. But for Fresquita one of the ways they tackled this issue was with highly creative packaging.
The world of work is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the accelerating capabilities of Generative AI. While robots taking over our jobs might be a sci-fi trope, AI’s ability to learn, create, and automate tasks is undeniably impacting various industries. Generative AI is the umbrella term used to describe the type of AI that can create new content and ideas. This can include text, images, music, code and other types of content. We are now seeing how powerful this tool can be. But is this a threat or a powerful tool waiting to be harnessed? We set out to find out, what does the use of Generative AI look like in Gibraltar?
3 mins |
How to: Brainstorm
If you’ve been dreaming of starting your own business, you’re not alone. Data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the annual number of companies registered is edging closer to the one million mark, that’s up by 75,000 in 2022 which itself was 30,000 higher than in 2021. Whether it's following a passion, aiming for financial independence, or breaking free from the 9-5 grind, every entrepreneurial journey begins with one crucial thing: a solid idea. But coming up with that perfect idea can be tough. This is where brainstorming comes in—it’s the creative springboard that can help you turn your business dreams into reality.
Finding someone who listens, understands, and guides you can make all the difference. For women in Gibraltar, the Women’s Mentorship Programme offers just that – honest conversations and valuable support from people with lived experience who understand. Now in its sixth cycle, the programme pairs women with mentors to help them navigate work, life, and everything in between. Ok, full disclosure: as a recently appointed mentor, that last sentence somewhat triggers the old imposter syndrome and self-doubt, but I am honoured to be part of this scheme and look forward to doing my very best in the months ahead.