Gossip is unavoidable. Humans are social critters. Be nice, friendly, and helpful to others and that is what they will talk about.

Related. Avoid being one of those "there's no point to small talk" people. There's a very good point. It's to figure out who's an asshole. You can come across as too important for other people if you don't chit chat about the weather. I'm not saying it's the way it should be or that it makes sense. It's just the way things are.

There's also nothing wrong with talking about people when they aren't present. What you shouldn't do is spread rumors or create drama. Saying you heard someone is going sailing on vacation to someone else. That is completely innocuous. Saying they are married and going with their former spouse is creating drama.

To me, staying below the radar is one part playing by those rules, and another part just being kind of boring. Seldom do I hear gossip about myself nor do I have anything to say about anyone else other than small talk. Hope that helps