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Seven Taboo Topics For Work

Kate Lorenz | Thursday 04 September 2008 | 12:45

Subjects you should avoid discussing at work to prevent conflict.

Do you feel comfortable enough with colleagues to chat to casually them during the day? Do you go down the pub with them after work? Do you even count some as close friends?


Office gossip and banter is costing the UK £43 billion a year according to research and, on average, office employees spends over three hours per week gossiping.


There is a limit, however, to the topics of conversation one should bring up in the office, especially when so many walls have ears. Any subjects that might damage your reputation at work, make others think negatively about how well you can do your job, or that are controversial should all be given a wide berth.


As Professor Colin Barrow, formerly from Cranfield School of Management, summarises so well, "Gossip, the unstructured conversations between people at and about work, is the oil that lubricates the work engine. Too much and the engine floods; too little and it overheats and seizes up." Here are seven taboo topics to avoid discussing at work and fuelling the flames:


1. Politics


This is a tricky issue, particularly around election time. While you may feel very strongly about your political party or candidate, or have negative views about the opposition, don't attempt try to win others over to your point of view. People are more divided and any discussion could lead to resentment, arguments and an "us and them" mentality. If politics rears its head, keep yours down.



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2. Religion


Religious conviction is a twin taboo topic to politics and extremely delicate to some. Faith is a very personal issue and people can be sensitive about it. They don't want to hear that you disagree with their beliefs or that you believe your religion is the one in which everyone should believe. If you have a shrine to Buddha on your desk, face Mecca and break out the prayer mat at lunch or believe that Jesus Christ is your saviour, be discreet and don't force it on your colleagues.



3. Money


We're all peachy-keen to know how much money our colleagues earn but remember what they say: Money is the root of all evil. Once you've discovered your neighbour's salary, what good will it really do? You'll either be as green as apples or gloat and smirk until someone thinks you have a disorder. Resist the temptation to probe.



4. Sex


Look, you are not sitting with the gals from "Sex and the City," nor are you a lad down the pub with your football mates. You are at work and a professional. This is no one's business other than yours and your partner's. It also makes people uncomfortable. So keep your personal bedroom details private or people will snigger about you behind your back.



5. Relationships


If Cupid has struck, fantastic. But don't bore everyone to death with details of your boyfriend's or girlfriend's cute dimple or favourite band. Nobody really cares and soon everyone will do their best to avoid you. And if, heaven forbid, it all goes wrong then don't let your love life interfere with your work life or dump your problems on your colleagues -- they've got enough on their shoulders already.



6. Illness and Maladies


This can be a sensitive area. Serious health issues that will cause you to take time off must be discussed with your employer and workmates will be very supportive. No one, however, needs to be taken through specific details about your bunion.



7. Problems at Home


When you discuss problems like these openly, your boss will get to hear about them and may wonder if they are distracting you from doing your job -- especially if you're in a position of authority. Everyone enjoys a good moan to let off steam and, as we all spend more time at work than at home; it's inevitable that you may want to share your problems with a sympathetic colleague, but don't be known as a constant whinger.


And finally, there will always be people in your job who seem to enjoy stirring things up, complaining about management and trying to draw others into it. If you can't tell people how you feel about discussing these subjects, walk away. Say you have to get back to work or pop out. If that isn't possible, don't pay any attention to what is being said. The best that you can do is to keep out of it.




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