There’s something about a long workday that makes venting feel necessary. The deadline pressure. The email that came with unnecessary CCs. The meeting that could have been a Slack message. Sometimes, all you want is to lean over your desk and whisper, “Charlie, this work dier…”
That’s exactly what Akua did. Akua had just joined the firm three months earlier. Smart, hardworking, still finding her feet.
One afternoon, after yet another late approval from her supervisor, she sighed and shared her frustration with Kojo Akoto, the colleague who always seemed available, nodding sympathetically, offering plenty of “I understand you oo.”
What Akua didn’t know was that Kojo’s listening skills came with loose lips.
By the next week, the tone around the office had shifted. Mr. Addoey (or Mr. Allotey, as everyone respectfully called him) suddenly seemed distant. A project Akua expected to lead was reassigned. And during lunch, Nana Ama casually said, “So I hear you’re not happy with management?” That’s when it hit her.
In many Ghanaian offices, venting feels harmless because the workplace often feels like family. We share breakfast, jokes, transport stories, and even phone charger cables. The lines blur quickly. But not everyone who listens is listening for you. Some are listening for information. Others are listening for entertainment. A few are listening so they can be relevant in conversations that don’t involve you.
Anthony learned this the hard way, too.
Anthony was known as the funny guy in the IT team. One stressful week, he joked to Afiba about how overwhelmed he was and how management didn’t seem to appreciate their effort. Afiba laughed along. Two days later, Anthony was called in for a “quick chat” about his attitude and commitment.
The joke had travelled. Without context. Without tone. Without Anthony.
Venting in the office can feel like relief, but it can quietly shape how people see your professionalism, loyalty, and emotional maturity. Once words leave your mouth, you no longer control how they are interpreted or who they are repeated to.
This doesn’t mean you should bottle everything up or pretend work is perfect. It simply means you must be intentional. Not every colleague is a confidant. Not every smile is safe. Some conversations are better had outside the office walls with trusted friends, mentors, or people who have nothing to gain from your vulnerability.
In the workplace, perception travels faster than truth.
So the next time you feel the urge to vent, pause and ask yourself: If this conversation shows up in a meeting tomorrow, will I be okay with it?
Sometimes, the wisest move is silence. Or at least, choosing your ears carefully.
Gene’s Survival Tip
Vent up, not around. If it affects your work, raise it professionally with the right person, or release it outside the office. Peace of mind is important, and so is your reputation.
This is the Office Buzz! Work, Culture and everything in between.
Remember to share this with that colleague who needs to read this.
