When colleagues start engaging in heated discussions, it’s tempting to join in. However, if you aim to grow professionally, it’s wise to think twice before you speak. Some topics can harm your reputation and make it harder to maintain good relationships with coworkers and business partners. Let’s look at three key areas to avoid—these align with the general rules of workplace etiquette.
1. Personal Life
Experts recommend keeping your personal matters private—after all, it’s called “personal” for a reason. Sharing intimate details about your family or relationships might not be relevant to everyone. Furthermore, such conversations can backfire, potentially hindering your career progression. What seems like friendly sharing today might lead to awkward situations or negative impressions later.
2. Politics
Political opinions are another dangerous topic in the workplace. Discussions about politics rarely lead to productive outcomes and can easily escalate into conflicts. Even if you feel strongly about your beliefs, you are unlikely to change others’ opinions. However, you might risk alienating coworkers, and once your political stance is seen as radical or impractical, it could affect how others perceive you professionally.
3. Salary
Talking about your salary is also best avoided. Some colleagues might envy you if they think you earn more, while others might pity you if they assume you earn less. Both emotions—envy and pity—are negative and can damage your relationships. If you’re satisfied with your salary, appreciate it quietly. If not, take action to change your circumstances without involving your colleagues in the discussion.
It’s also important to avoid controversial topics related to personal values. For example, conversations about parenting and child-rearing practices can be divisive. Debates around vaccinations or public breastfeeding can quickly turn contentious, as society holds differing opinions on such issues.
Similarly, it’s unwise to discuss topics related to minority groups or differences in race, nationality, or religion. Avoid expressing strong opinions on lifestyle choices, especially negative ones. For example, saying, “Everyone should eat meat” might unintentionally offend someone.
In the workplace, it’s best to focus on fostering positive, respectful interactions. Avoiding these sensitive topics will help you maintain professional relationships and build a solid reputation.