Water Cooler Rumors

Q:I am very friendly with a female co-worker and although nothing is going on between us and we are both single, I know for a fact that a rumor had started that we are sleeping together.  I also know that nothing will come of the relationship in that arena because I am a closeted homosexual.  Do I need to take any preventive measure to quash this unfair office gossip before it gets out of hand?

This is a delicate situation and somewhat of a catch-22.  It is very common for people to develop close friendships with co-workers.  In today’s fast paced work world, employees tend to spend more time in the workplace than anywhere else.  The first step in managing your workplace predicament is to immediately take inventory of your social interactions with your co-worker while in the office.  What you consider to be a close confidante or buddy-buddy relationship could be misconstrued as an intimate romantic relationship. 

Equally as critical is the perception that you could be distracted from your critical job responsibilities.  While neither scenario is accurate in your situation, it is important to evaluate your behavior and think about possible adjustments on how you interact with your friend while in the office.  I would recommend this to anyone who has concerns about how co-workers view their social interactions in the office.  If the rumors are still circulating despite making some minor adjustments, you may want to consult with your HR or Employee Relations Department. Most companies have professionals in those departments who are trained to handle sensitive workplace situations and can offer you some suggestions.

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