How can I make a positive response to this class post? During times of uncertainty, there are always elevated levels of gossip. A few advantages of this, depending how you look at it, could be weeding out those that gossip and start rumors. They will always make themselves known and usually use this time to stir up drama. Gossiping or commiserating can also help to build relationships. People may choose to bond over almost everything, even NEGATIVE SITUATIONS. The negative effects far outweigh the positives. First in my mind is the possibility of being labeled a troublemaker or instigator. There is also the almost absolute certainty that the information will be inaccurate. Some of the details or facts will be lost i translation. There is also the risk of employee moral declining due to the uncertainty of the situation. From a management standpoint, what has affected my business the most was the distraction causing a swift decline in productivity. It is a given in any situation, when the employees become distracted by gossip