MONTREAL - When employees lack reliable company information they turn to gossip says a new survey published by the staffing organization Randstad North America.

The survey also showed that employers are unaware of how powerful gossip is in their business. Most employers (83 per cent) believe that their staff learn about important company news through official channels such as letters, emails, or their managers. However, only half (53 per cent) report hearing of news from management first.

Other findings:

• 72 per cent of employees surveyed agreed that the gossip was more negative than positive
• 46 per cent of employees said that the information they learn from co-workers is often wrong

The survey was conducted by telephone interviews with over 2,800 employees and 1,300 employers in Canada and the U.S. responding.

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