Gossip is an unavoidable presence in all workplaces. But, is it also an unwelcome one?

According to a new study, you can more likely put a risk to your career and friendships by gossiping in office. Psychologists found that persistent gossips are unpopular and unlikely to have any social influence at work. Researchers at the University of Baltimore in the US asked women to think of people they knew who did and did not indulge in “informal communication” and rate them. The results showed that gossips are seen as weak people who are not to be trusted or respected and who have no influence over others.

Researcher who led the study said that while people do listen to gossip and indulge in it but, they do not necessarily trust those who constantly indulge in it. “Perhaps high gossipers are individuals who we welcome into our social networks for fear of losing the opportunity to learn information, but we tend to keep them at arm’s length,” the Daily Express quoted.

However, gossips are good till it is done in limited and healthy amount. People who do not gossip at all are just as lacking in social power as those who gossip too much. Some psychologists say moderate gossiping and saying nice things about people in their absence are most likely to boost popularity and offer a way of comparing ourselves with others.

To get useful information at work, be friends with an office gossip, but don’t be “the Office Gossip.”