In the workplace, communication is key to establishing healthy and productive relationships. However, not all topics are suitable for discussion in the office, as certain comments can cause discomfort or jeopardize your professional image. According to etiquette experts, there are topics you should avoid at all costs to maintain a harmonious and respectful work environment.
In this article, we will explore what topics you should never discuss at work to help you navigate daily interactions professionally.
Why is it important to maintain good etiquette at work?
Professional etiquette not only helps create a respectful work environment, but also plays a crucial role in your career development. Talking about inappropriate topics can affect your reputation, decrease your trust with colleagues, and in some cases, even hinder progress in the company.
At ENEB, a business school that prepares future business leaders, we are taught the importance of effective and professional communication in the workplace. This is part of the core values we cultivate, such as leadership, adaptability, and networking.
Topics to avoid at work
Here is a list of the main topics you should avoid at work, according to experts, in order to preserve a professional environment.
1. Talking about money or salary
One of the most delicate topics in any workplace is salary. Discussing your earnings or those of others can create tension and jealousy among colleagues. While salary transparency is important, the workplace is not the appropriate setting for these discussions. If you have concerns about your salary or benefits, it’s better to address them privately with your supervisor or human resources department.
Why to avoid it:
Talking about money can create divisions and discomfort. Instead, it’s better to focus on how you can improve your performance and advance within the company. Remember, your training at a place like ENEB prepares you to lead in a professional and balanced manner, without being sidetracked by topics that can shift your focus.
2. Personal details about your love life
Stories about your love life can cross personal boundaries in a professional environment. While it’s natural to have informal conversations with colleagues, discussing romantic relationships can become uncomfortable and jeopardize your privacy. The best strategy is to keep these topics out of office conversations.
Why to avoid it:
Your love life is a private matter, and oversharing it can cause discomfort among others. A true professional knows how to set clear boundaries between the personal and professional, always maintaining respect and discretion.
3. Negative comments about your job or company
It’s understandable that you may occasionally feel frustrated or dissatisfied with certain situations at work. However, constantly talking about what you dislike about your position or the company can affect your professional image. If you have concerns, it’s best to address them constructively through the proper channels.
Why to avoid it:
Constant pessimism can demotivate your colleagues and create a negative atmosphere. It’s preferable to adopt a proactive attitude and work on solutions rather than focusing on problems. At ENEB, we learn that a positive, results-oriented mindset is key to professional success.
4. Health problems or medical issues
While everyone faces health situations at some point, sharing your medical issues in detail with colleagues can be unnecessary and create an uncomfortable atmosphere. If you need time to recover or be absent, simply inform your boss concisely.
Why to avoid it:
Your colleagues don’t need to know every detail of your health. Maintain professionalism and share only what’s necessary. Discretion is one of the principles of business ethics that we instill in our students at ENEB.
5. Plans to leave the company or search for another job
Talking about your plans to change jobs before officially resigning can damage your relationships with colleagues and superiors. Rumors about your departure can create instability in the team and affect morale. If you decide to look for new opportunities, it’s better to keep it private until everything is confirmed.
Why to avoid it:
Sharing your plans prematurely can make you seem less committed to your current job. It’s important to focus on fulfilling your responsibilities until the end, without sparking unnecessary speculation. ENEB encourages the importance of maintaining a strategic focus, even when it comes to important professional decisions.
6. Comments about stress or work overload
Talking too much about stress or overtime can create unhealthy competition among colleagues. While everyone experiences moments of pressure, making constant comments about exhaustion can cause guilt among colleagues who are not as busy.
Why to avoid it:
Stress is part of many jobs, but focusing on it constantly is not helpful for anyone. It’s better to talk about how to manage the workload effectively and healthily. The balance between personal and professional life is a key lesson that ENEB teaches its students, especially in the context of adaptability and leadership.
7. Parties and uncontrolled behaviors
Bragging about a weekend full of parties can give the impression that you’re not professional or responsible. While everyone has the right to have fun, talking about irresponsible behaviors outside of work can harm your image in front of colleagues and superiors.
Why to avoid it:
Professionalism means being aware of how others perceive you. If you’re looking to advance in your career, it’s important that your colleagues and bosses see you as someone who takes their work seriously. ENEB fosters leadership skills that allow future entrepreneurs to maintain a professional attitude at all times.
Conclusion
Maintaining professional communication at work is crucial for building trust and respect. Avoiding these topics will allow you to focus on what truly matters: your performance and your development within the company. Remember, a healthy work environment is key to professional success, and receiving proper training, like the one offered by ENEB, will help you navigate these challenges effectively.
We recommend reading the article by ISEB Business School on “Cognitive Ergonomics in Digital Workspaces”, which offers essential keys to improving work performance in digital environments—crucial for any professional looking to optimize productivity.
If you want to take the next step in your career and develop key business skills, we invite you to explore ENEB’s programs, a business school that prepares you to lead in the professional world. Don’t hesitate to check out our programs and discover how we can help you achieve your goals
