It is only natural for colleagues to share information about themselves during the workday. A cohesive company culture even encourages sharing personal tidbits about interests and hobbies to create more of a bond between team members and successful professionals. However, divulging the wrong information can send your career spiraling if you're not careful. Know the hot topics that should be avoided in any type of workplace.
Salary
You may be proud of your hard work that has earned promotions and salary increases, but your co-workers should not be entitled to this type of information. If you experience workplace bullying as a result of divulging your salary, it may also affect the company culture and your overall satisfaction with your position. Salary details should be confidential to avoid co-workers' resentment or anger directed towards you. Avoid having colleagues compare their efforts to yours based on the salary you bring home. Instead, let your work and merit speak for itself as a successful professional.
Job Dissatisfaction
Co-workers do not have time nor do they want to spend their day listening to how much you hate your job. Heed the common career advice and avoid the negativity when at work. Successful professionals may not like every aspect of their job, but they refrain from complaining to an extent where the team morale suffers. Instead, find ways to improve your current work environment or take your concerns to a supervisor or manager.
Offensive Jokes
Successful professionals seek out ways to inspire and motivate co-workers. Although humor may be a natural part of the day, offensive jokes can backfire and prompt a visit to Human Resources to discuss your behavior. It is impossible to predict what others may think is funny material, which is why the best career advice you can take is to think about how your words may affect others before you speak, recommends Travis Bradberry with Entrepreneur.
Inappropriate Disclosures
Many successful professionals enjoy having a few drinks in the evening or dancing in the clubs over the weekend, but divulging your personal preferences that include behavior and activity that is not necessarily in compliance with the values and morals of others may significantly impact your relationship with your co-workers. Colleagues who gush about their love life or dates often make their co-workers uncomfortable. Save the gushing for lunch with a friend or dinner with family members.
Work environments need to make employees feel comfortable both emotionally and physically. Employees who divulge information that is potentially offensive or too personal can make others feel uncomfortable. Maintain the respect and reputation you deserve as a successful professional by keeping your conversations focused on business and simple pleasantries that do not run the risk of offending people in the workplace.
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