It’s pivotal to build strong, positive relationships in the workplace. After all, 78 percent of people who work 30 to 50 hours a week actually spend more time in the office than they do with their families (crazy, right?).
While team bonding is essential, be wary of it turning into inappropriate, excessive, or risqué office talk. “It’s important to know when to be professional and when to not talk about certain things,” explains Angela Mayhew, Senior Recruiter at FabFitFun. “If you think a topic is ever too much information, then it’s probably too much information.”
Here’s how to gauge what’s appropriate and what’s TMI.
Avoid topics that can be misconstrued as gossip
A close work environment, especially one where team members have worked there for a long time, can easily lead to gossip. If a co-worker gossips to you about someone else on the team, Mayhew says, “Don’t engage, and if they keep trying to bring it up, be upfront and assertive while also acknowledging that it’s not good to gossip.” If you’re the person needing to vent about a co-worker, save it for outside of the office and chat with a family member or friend.
Beware of comparisons
Stay away from conversations about compensation or salary as it’s a completely off-limits topic. Why? If there’s a difference in pay between you and your co-workers, this can easily lead to jealousy, competition, and bitterness (and who wants that?).
Save sex talk for after hours
Keep it rated PG. Risqué topics like sexual relations is a big offender in the workplace. For example, if an executive speaks to his subordinate about his sex life, it can be misconstrued as sexual harassment. Keep it safe and stick to clean talk in the office.
Skip politics
No one really needs to know whether you’re a ride or die donkey or elephant. This isn’t to say you should hide or lie about your stance in the political realm, but there’s no need to be excessively vocal about it when it isn’t necessary. Why risk possible tension with co-workers when it can be avoided?
Save your relationship woes for your BFF
If you have big news, like an engagement or a holiday trip planned with your beau, then it’s fine to share. But be wary of oversharing and giving too much information to co-workers about every fight or disagreement with your significant other. Reserve breakup talks for your friends outside of work. Your bestie will appreciate it!
xx, The FabFitFun Team
