Having a good atmosphere in the workplace is very important because it directly affects the job satisfaction level of the employees and hence their productivity. If the office environment becomes negative, it affects the employee’s mental and physical health. Backbiting, biased attitudes, racism and defamation are all factors which affect the workplace environment.

When someone deliberately tries to harm another employee’s reputation by spreading rumours and lies about him/her, it is called defamation and it is a crime punishable by law.

Defamation is dealt with very firmly and strictly in work environments. This is because it can damage a person’s reputation and affect their mental health negatively. Ranging from depression to even being suicidal, it may have a very strong impact on the person being targeted. It is very important to nip this evil in the bud and deal with the perpetrators very harshly so that no one dares to think of this to deal with opponents or competition in the office.

Usually, when an employee is found guilty of this behaviour, a warning letter is issued which informs the culprit that they must stop the defamation immediately and in case of noncompliance they would be fired. Any proof of the employee’s involvement must be mentioned and evidence should be attached so that there is no ambiguity.

It is a formal letter and would be written in a firm and serious tone. The language used must show the displeasure of the management and the consequences of non-compliance must be stated very clearly. Before sending the letter it should be edited very carefully because any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors left in the work would undermine the letter’s authority.

Save -1:

Subject: Warning against defamation of [ABC]

This letter is being written to convey the extreme displeasure of the management over the rumours you have been spreading about Ms. [name]. This is an extremely unprofessional and unethical attitude and we have zero tolerance for such behaviour.

It has come to our notice that you have been badmouthing her, ever since she was promoted to [designation]. Ms[name] is a very responsible and competent employee and she was promoted due to her exceptional overall performance and particularly her role in the [name] project.

Our company prides itself on being inclusive and tolerant. We aim to make our workplaces safe spaces for women and minorities where they can work comfortably and polish their talents and explore their full potential without fear of judgement or any bias or negativity.

Your actions stand in direct contradiction to this policy. It is very disappointing that a person of your calibre can fall so low in professional jealousy.

Please consider this your first and last warning and stop this despicable slander campaign or your contract would be terminated with immediate effect.

Looking forward to your positive response.

Yours sincerely.

Save -2:

Subject: Warning for defamation of [XYZ]

It has come to our knowledge that you have been spreading rumours about the [name] community who work in our [department name] and that it is not an isolated incident but a well-planned campaign aiming to harass them into leaving their jobs.

This is extremely despicable and dangerous behaviour as you are inciting hate against the said community which can escalate to violence at any time. The consequences of spreading rumours and hate-mongering are very grave and they can result in some very dangerous incidents as we have witnessed in other factories and workplaces.

[community name] is very hardworking and competent people which is the only criteria by which we judge people in this factory. The prosperity of a factory depends on harmony and a peaceful environment. If the workers feel threatened or unsafe, they can never give their best.

Also, the mental and physical health of our employees is very important to us and your activities are causing tension and extreme stress. We pride ourselves on being inclusive and tolerant. Your behaviour has shocked us and it has no place in our company.

Please be warned and stop this campaign immediately. If one more instance of gossip-mongering is reported or if we find a single inflammatory poster on the factory premises, your contract will be terminated with immediate effect and legal proceedings will be initiated against you.

We hope that you understand the gravity of the situation and mend your ways. Looking forward to improved behaviour.

See also:

• Apology Letter after Resignation
• Apology Letter for Late Submission of Assignment
• Letter of Intent to Run for HOA Board
• Excuse Letter of Absence due to Family Together
• Authorization Letter for Salary Deduction
• Excuse Letter for Being Absent from Work due to Wedding
• Excuse Letter for Being Late to School for Late Wakeup
• Hostile Work Environment Complaint Letter to Boss
• Acknowledgment Letter for Lending Money
• Greeting Email (letter) to New Business Partner