Gossiping, spreading rumours most common
Politics may be better left outside of the office, according to a new Robert Half survey.
More than one-half (56 per cent) of employees have observed political maneuverings on the job. Chief among these activities is gossiping and spreading rumours (54 per cent), followed by flattering the boss to gain favour (20 per cent) and taking credit for others' work (17 per cent), found the survey of 700 workers in Canada and the United States.
Four in 10 (40 per cent) workers say they participate in office politics only when it pertains to issues that affect them directly.
Another 39 per cent said they are neutral parties who stay completely out of the fray.
But 14 per cent said they are active in office politics because it’s important for them in getting ahead, found the survey.
"Becoming embroiled in office politics is never a good career move, but it's wise to be aware of political undercurrents on the job because they do exist in most organizations," said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International. "There are people who seek to get ahead in their careers at the expense of others, and this behaviour erodes trust and undermines team morale."
