Workplace Gossip Is NOT Harmless
Featuring
Mila Arutunian, Esq.
What to expect
Workplace gossip isn’t just drama. It can ruin careers, create hostile work environments, and even spark million-dollar lawsuits. In this first episode of Punching the Clock, employment attorney Mila Arutunian breaks down how workplace rumors cross the line into harassment, retaliation, and discrimination under California law.
- Real lawsuits and case studies from Miller v. Dept. of Corrections to racial harassment at Avis
- Why gossip tied to race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation is illegal
- How retaliatory gossip destroys reputations and sparks lawsuits
- What employers must do: anti-harassment policies, training, investigations, and stopping retaliation
Here’s the punchline: Gossip isn’t harmless. When it’s weaponized, it’s a legal issue. Employees have rights. Employers have duties. And ignoring it isn’t an option.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Workplace gossip isn’t just drama
00:44 Gossip in the workplace explained
01:25 When gossip crosses into harassment
02:10 Employers can be held liable under California law
02:35 Real case: Lawsuit against San Diego Police Dept.
03:07 Case study: Miller v. Dept. of Corrections
04:17 Case study: Racial gossip at Avis Rent a Car
05:17 Gossip as retaliation and California law
06:03 What employers must do to stop workplace gossip
07:46 Retaliation risks and third-party harassment
08:22 The punchline: Gossip isn’t harmless, it’s illegal
