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Top 5 Things You Never Discuss at Work
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Kristina Summers | DivineCaroline
August 28, 2008
SSHHH … I am a very lucky individual, meaning that I am fortunate enough to have one of those jobs that I actually enjoy, even look forward too.
I know how rare that can be for young people so I do not say this lightly. When I was hired I can honestly say I was thrilled and looked forward to a long career with an agency. Since that time, I have had some of my idealism dampened, but I continue to look forward to the everyday, anticipating what I will learn while coming to the realization that this job may not be my final resting point.
I have, however, learned a few things on the job these last seven months that will no doubt continue to help me navigate my way through the world of PR for years to come, whether or not this job becomes a long-term career or not. I share these things with you in the hopes that you will perhaps have a slightly smoother path than the one I took through the world of government public affairs.
There are some things you should never talk about at work. There are just some topics that no matter how well intentioned you may be or how close you think you may be to a co-worker, you will lose in the end, and sometimes it can even mean your job. This isn’t rocket science and by no means new, but some people need the refresher.
1. Religion
This should be a no-brainer for most. There is just too much volatility and too many people who will not think twice about arguing ‘till they are blue in the face to convince you just how wrong you are.
2. Politics
Some people can’t even live in the same household and discuss politics, so it makes sense that this should be off limits at work.
JennLiz
about 1 year ago
4 comments
Wow. Thank you SOOOOO much for spelling this out. These rules should be posted above the copier at every workplace.
Excelle_Editor
about 1 year ago
546 comments
I agree with you three ladies! I know there's a line drawn between co-worker and friend. But sometimes you DO make a FRIEND at work. And when a co-worker becomes more of a friend, how do you draw the line? You end up talking more about your personal life on lunch breaks than you do about work-related things. I think a list like this would be most applicable to co-workers with whom you have no relationship, or co-workers on a higher level, like your boss, manager, VP or CEO.
Account Removed
about 1 year ago
I completely agree that it's so much better to have an open communication with co-workers. It makes the time you spend there enjoyable. I am very lucky to work in an environment like that...thankfully!
AJaneChambers
about 1 year ago
440 comments
I, too, think that I would be very unhappy in a work environment that was closed to so many aspects of our lives. It would feel as if I couldn't be fully who I am at work. In one firm we knew not to tell the senior partner about anything that did not affect work, but we could share opinions with our peers about topics such as religion, politics, etc.
Insanitek
about 1 year ago
296 comments
This makes me SO glad I don't work in a place like that. We are very open about religion, politics, health, finances, and relationship problems, but not sexual relationships. We even talk about each other so each person can get to know the other's personality before really working with one another. This way we can get to know how best to managed the situation and get along. It is such a stress relief not to have a strict business environment.