What does defamation mean?

Understanding the intricacies of workplace etiquette in Pennsylvania can not only increase your popularity with your employees, it can also keep you out of legal trouble. If your employee has accused someone of defamation, you may be confused about whether or not this is a valid claim.

Chron.com states that actual defamation of character is defined as false information that is either published without consent or made in the form of a derogatory statement. Harm must also be intended by spreading the rumor and the information must not be true, otherwise it does not qualify.

Many employees believe that simply spreading rumors counts as a defamation of character, but this is not true. Rumors can be spread due to misinformation, unhealthy competition or ignorance, but if no harm is intended, this is not considered defamation. Simply damaging a reputation does not count as defamation either, especially if the rumor turns out to be true.

While it can be very difficult for an employee to prove that there was intended harm in a defamation case, controlling the spread of rumors can not only lead to a healthier work environment, but also less chance you will end up facing a lawsuit. You can prevent this by setting a good example and including guidelines in your employee handbook to discourage your employees from spreading any rumors.