I recently read an article posted by Forbes.com and written by Jenna Goudreau that discussed the things you should not talk about at work. The subjects identified in the article were:
Sex: This subject is totally taboo at work. NEVER, ever talk about sex unless you happen to work at a sex clinic!
Politics:-Needless to say this year’s midterm elections were very unpopular all around the country! Regardless of your political persuasions you should never discuss politics at work, either. This is a very personal issue –just like sex or religion.
Religion:-It’s a shame that this particular subject has to be a forbidden topic at work especially since our country was founded due to religious beliefs. However, in today’s global work world, you need to respect ALL religions. If you are passionate on this subject it would be best to steer clear of it with your work colleagues.
Off-color jokes:- I can’t believe that this even has to be mentioned – should be common sense to all of us.
Bodily functions:-Come on – we have all discussed “bodily functions” on the job at one time or another. Everyone gets an upset stomach or other issues. The key here is to NOT discuss them in detail. Mentioning, in passing, that your stomach is upset is probably fine as long as you don’t make it the discussion of the day! I once had a young lady working for me who ended up with bed bug bites while on the road. She deemed that she was too sick to go the client site the next day and sent an email describing, in detail, what the bites looked like. Too much detail!!!
Weekend escapades:-So you had a great weekend and you can’t wait to get to work to talk about! Should you talk about it? Well, that depends. Experts caution that, it your weekend looked like a scene out of Cocktails, maybe you shouldn’t talk about it. Now, if you volunteered at the local food pantry, then talk it up! Remember, what you talk about is a direct reflection of who you are. How do you want to be known? As the person who volunteered at the local shelter or the one who drank everyone else under the table?
In addition to the above, the author mentioned other things we say on the job – without thinking about the consequences. For instance how many times have you responded to another employee’s queries with “not my job man”?! Wrong answer friends! Even if it isn’t your job, you need to attempt to assist your colleague or at least point them in the right direction. Think about how you would feel if you were requesting help and the response you got was a disinterested “I don’t know”!
Have you ever had to work for a manager/supervisor who was just clocking time? A manager who really didn’t care that you have a family emergency or that you need assistance on a work issue. How about a manager who always tells you that you are wrong? I know I have encountered plenty of them during my work career! Sad to say, though, that the bad ones are the ones who left a lasting impression only because I knew that I NEVER wanted to be like them!
How about a boss who doesn’t actually support the company’s mission or policies? The one who always says “well I don’t like it but that’s just the way it is”. Arrgghh! The worst boss to have - ever!
So, when you are sitting in the lunch room or around a table with your team, think about what you are saying. Is it appropriate for the audience? Does it meet any of the above criteria? Think about the people who are getting fired for comments they make on their personal Facebook pages. Remember, once something has been said, it’s very hard, if not impossible, to take it back!
Sex: This subject is totally taboo at work. NEVER, ever talk about sex unless you happen to work at a sex clinic!
Politics:-Needless to say this year’s midterm elections were very unpopular all around the country! Regardless of your political persuasions you should never discuss politics at work, either. This is a very personal issue –just like sex or religion.
Religion:-It’s a shame that this particular subject has to be a forbidden topic at work especially since our country was founded due to religious beliefs. However, in today’s global work world, you need to respect ALL religions. If you are passionate on this subject it would be best to steer clear of it with your work colleagues.
Off-color jokes:- I can’t believe that this even has to be mentioned – should be common sense to all of us.
Bodily functions:-Come on – we have all discussed “bodily functions” on the job at one time or another. Everyone gets an upset stomach or other issues. The key here is to NOT discuss them in detail. Mentioning, in passing, that your stomach is upset is probably fine as long as you don’t make it the discussion of the day! I once had a young lady working for me who ended up with bed bug bites while on the road. She deemed that she was too sick to go the client site the next day and sent an email describing, in detail, what the bites looked like. Too much detail!!!
Weekend escapades:-So you had a great weekend and you can’t wait to get to work to talk about! Should you talk about it? Well, that depends. Experts caution that, it your weekend looked like a scene out of Cocktails, maybe you shouldn’t talk about it. Now, if you volunteered at the local food pantry, then talk it up! Remember, what you talk about is a direct reflection of who you are. How do you want to be known? As the person who volunteered at the local shelter or the one who drank everyone else under the table?
In addition to the above, the author mentioned other things we say on the job – without thinking about the consequences. For instance how many times have you responded to another employee’s queries with “not my job man”?! Wrong answer friends! Even if it isn’t your job, you need to attempt to assist your colleague or at least point them in the right direction. Think about how you would feel if you were requesting help and the response you got was a disinterested “I don’t know”!
Have you ever had to work for a manager/supervisor who was just clocking time? A manager who really didn’t care that you have a family emergency or that you need assistance on a work issue. How about a manager who always tells you that you are wrong? I know I have encountered plenty of them during my work career! Sad to say, though, that the bad ones are the ones who left a lasting impression only because I knew that I NEVER wanted to be like them!
How about a boss who doesn’t actually support the company’s mission or policies? The one who always says “well I don’t like it but that’s just the way it is”. Arrgghh! The worst boss to have - ever!
So, when you are sitting in the lunch room or around a table with your team, think about what you are saying. Is it appropriate for the audience? Does it meet any of the above criteria? Think about the people who are getting fired for comments they make on their personal Facebook pages. Remember, once something has been said, it’s very hard, if not impossible, to take it back!
Are you interested in a career in finance? Check out http://www.financialjobbank.com/ for the latest job postings on the Web.
By: Nancy Anderson, Staff Writer
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!