This is your permission to b**ch about your boss.

Gossip in the workplace is a big no-no. Right?

Well, maybe not. At least according to Harvard Business School's Amy Gallo.

In a recent newsletter, the workplace expert cited research that suggested there are "upsides to gossip", particularly for those from marginalised groups with less access to power or information.

Watch: Signs you have a toxic boss or leader. Post continues after video.

"Listening to office banter is a great way to learn what's going on at your company — what group recently landed a big deal or what initiatives the CEO is likely to approve, for instance," she wrote.

According to Gallo, gossip can also help us "form bonds" with our colleagues.

Of course, it's complicated — and not without risks. Gallo is clear that while workplace gossip can serve a purpose, it's a double-edged sword.

The positive and negative effects of workplace gossip.

Let's start with the good, shall we? Gossip, Gallo said, can act as a social glue. It's an informal way of sharing information, providing insight into workplace dynamics, and building camaraderie.

All good stuff.

If you're new to a company, for example, tuning into those water-cooler conversations can help you decode the unspoken rules, get a sense of the power players, and better understand the corporate culture.

For marginalised groups who often don't have direct access to key decision-makers or exclusive information channels, gossip can be a form of survival.

But here's the catch: workplace gossip can very easily veer into toxic territory.

"Gossiping can make you more susceptible to confirmation bias," Gallo warned.

Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek out or prefer information that supports your preexisting beliefs. Once you've got a narrative in your head — say, that Angela in marketing always interrupts in meetings — you start noticing it more and more.

And if you share that narrative with others, they're likely to see it too.

Gallo's newsletter prompted a discussion on Mamamia's Out Loud podcast, between hosts Holly Wainwright, Mia Freedman, and Jessie Stephens — and the team were divided on this one.

"What's the difference between gossiping and b**ching though?" asked Mia.

And yeah, good point — what is the difference?

When does workplace gossip cross the line?

Gallo's advice for navigating workplace gossip is simple: ask yourself, "Is this helping or is this hurting?"

If your aim is to clarify information, seek advice, or check your perspective, gossip can be constructive.

For instance, imagine you're confused about a new initiative and you mention it to a colleague to get their take. That's helpful. Or maybe you're struggling to read the room during meetings with a superior. Talking it over with someone can give you valuable insight and help you adapt.

But the line gets blurry when gossip turns into venting or confirmation bias.

Jessie put it like this: "If I go, 'Have you noticed that Holly always…' I start to stigmatise her, and then you start noticing it because I brought it up. Then I spread it again. Suddenly, it's like I've started a war against Holly."

The problem with this kind of gossip isn't just that it's mean — though that's reason enough to avoid it. It's also that it's self-perpetuating. Once you start looking for flaws in a person, you're bound to find more of them. And if you're sharing those flaws with others, you're painting a target on their back.

As Mia joked, "Then she gets a nickname: 'Holly the Shit-Talker.'"

How to gossip the right way. (Yes, there is a right way.)

Gallo's advice boils down to being intentional and tactful about what you share and with whom. Before you dive into a juicy conversation, consider your motives. Are you seeking information? Trying to better understand a situation? Or are you venting frustrations in a way that might harm someone's reputation?

If you're in the "helping" camp, proceed with caution, but know that gossiping isn't inherently bad. In fact, it can be a healthy way to process feelings or strategise about workplace challenges. Just be sure to:

Choose your confidantes wisely. Not everyone needs to know your business, and not everyone can be trusted to keep things private.

Stick to facts. Avoid making assumptions or spreading unverified information.

Avoid piling on. Even if your colleague agrees that Angela interrupts too much, focus on solutions rather than complaints.

On the flip side, if your gossip is veering into "hurting" territory, it's time to pump the brakes. Ask yourself: is this a fair characterisation of the person? Am I contributing to a productive conversation, or am I just looking for someone to validate my frustrations?

Why the stigma around gossip needs a rethink.

Gossip often gets a bad rap, but as Gallo's research suggests, it's not all doom and gloom. When done thoughtfully, it can be a tool for connection, learning, and navigating workplace politics.

So the next time you find yourself in the middle of some office chatter, take a moment to reflect. Is this helping or hurting?

After all, no one wants to be known as 'Holly the Shit-Talker!'

Listen to the full Mamamia Out Loud episode below.

Feature Image: Paramount Pictures.