The employees of an organization have heard rumors about rapidly dropping profits and impending layoffs. The grapevine is abuzz with bad news. People are nervous and anxious, and are starting to believe whatever is being said without verifying the source. In this situation, which of the following is an appropriate action for a manager to take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best approach in this situation is to neutralize the rumors by openly confirming any parts that may be true. This way, employees feel like they are being kept in the loop and any anxiety about their job security can be addressed. Blocking all forms of electronic communication in the office or restricting break times may create a sense of distrust and resentment among employees. Firing employees who are found spreading false stories may create a hostile work environment and may not necessarily address the underlying issues causing the rumors. Closely monitoring each employee's activities in the office may be perceived as intrusive and may further exacerbate the sense of anxiety among employees.

The Employees of an Organization Have Heard Rumors About Rapidly