In every office setting, there always seems to be that one colleague who passes along negative information about other employees. Being on the receiving end of toxic gossip is distressing and can distract you from your work.

Here are some tips to help stop the rumor mill:

• Counter negative remarks about a coworker with positive affirmations: For example, your response might be, “I have always found her to be very helpful.”

• Change the subject: Try asking, “So what did you do over the weekend?”

• Exit the conversation: Glance at the clock and state that you have to finish a project by the end of the day.

Contact Broward Health EAP at 954.847.4327 for assistance with workplace issues, work/life information, career guidance and more.

Broward Health, providing service for more than 85 years, is a nationally recognized system in South Florida that offers world-class healthcare to all. The Broward Health system includes the statutory teaching hospital Broward Health Medical Center, Broward Health North, Broward Health Imperial Point, Broward Health Coral Springs, Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital, Broward Health Weston, Broward Health Community Health Services, Broward Health Physician Group, Broward Health Urgent Care, Broward Health International, and Broward Health Foundation. For more information, visit BrowardHealth.org.