Our work time often seems to precede our time at home. Through shared lunches and work initiatives, we spend a lot of time in the office getting to know our colleagues. Getting to know your colleagues better improves work chemistry, but it can also blur the line between personal and professional life.
This blurring of lines can also befog the distinctions between topics of conversation. Occasionally, we lose sight of the fact that our co-workers are just co-workers and that they may not know us as well as our loved ones. We may also not fully understand their motivations. As a result, not everything we say may be perceived in its intended way.
On that note, here are 7 office etiquettes to remember:
#1 YOUR POLITICAL OPINION
Political issues can be polarising and you should not assume that your colleagues share the same views as you. If your colleague is unable to separate you from your political views, talking about political issues and differing views could create a rift in your working relationship.
You will be much happier if you avoid bringing politics into your work life. Never reveal your political views, even if someone asks you directly about them.
PRO TIP: Say you’d rather not talk about politics.
It’s best to avoid your political preferences from affecting your career. Have a little fun and keep people guessing.
#2 COMPLAINTS AND CRITICISM
You and your coworkers might share a mutual dislike of your boss or a particular aspect of your job as one of your common interests. Despite the possibility of shared laments, it might not be a good idea to bring it up at work. Never vent about your life, either at work or at home, to your coworkers. Speaking poorly of oneself, one’s job, other coworkers, or one’s boss conveys a lack of confidence.
Being perceived as a gossiper could also damage your standing with coworkers and your manager. Remember that anything unfavourable you say to a coworker—even in private—could lead to discussion among your colleagues.
#3 PERSONAL MATTERS
Talking to your colleague about your relationship problems with your significant other or about a heated family argument that broke out at a family reunion can make you seem absent-minded, which can influence opinions in work delegations.
Talking about your personal life at work can quickly spread rumours around the office. Even information that seems innocuous enough to share at first glance can be misinterpreted and damaging to your career. Be mindful when disclosing personal information.
#4 CONFIDENTIAL WORK MATTERS
You shouldn’t discuss private work-related matters with coworkers unless they are also permitted to know that information. For instance, some employees have access to data like payroll records, time card records, and human resources files that other employees do not.
Even if the confidential information is interesting, you cannot discuss it with coworkers. Having access to sensitive information demonstrates your employer’s confidence in you. Sharing that information with your coworkers violates that trust and could seriously harm your standing within the organisation.
#5 OFFICE GOSSIP
Defame no one. Never criticise someone you work with, spread untruths about them, or even discuss their accomplishments negatively.
Fast-moving and inaccurate office rumours are all too common in the corporate world. Avoid getting caught up in it or being the source of said rumours or gossip. Participating in office gossip can also make you seem untrustworthy or unreliable.
So, the next time you see your colleagues gathering around the coffeemaker, steer clear if they’re gossiping.
#6 TALKING ABOUT BODY WEIGHT
Do not inquire about people’s weight. Avoid comparing yourself to others. Weight is very subjective and highly sensitive. It’s a big no-no and often does not make a productive conversational topic.
If you’re close with a particular colleague and they’re genuinely curious about your reason for weight loss or weight gain, use your discretion when answering their query. Do not point out a colleague’s weight gain or weight loss as this subject can also be highly triggering for some.
#7 OFFENSIVE JOKES
Humour is subjective and your colleagues may not share the same sense of humour as you. Something that is funny to you may not be funny to them. If a joke is sexist, racist, ageist, or even homophobic, steer away from them.
Most importantly, don’t make a joke at anyone’s expense. We may not know what our colleagues may be going through and laughing at their expense may just ruin their day.
Source: Business Insider, LinkedIn
