Let's talk about professionalism in the workplace. There is nothing wrong with having fun at work--you can still get your work done and enjoy the people you work with. However, I am fairly strict about keeping the fun within certain parameters.
I have done many workplace investigations for sexual harassment and discrimination of various types. A large percentage of the time, the complaints have come about because people were "joking around" and everyone thought it was funny until it went too far, or a new person came in who didn't find the banter funny, or it reached the point where a person no longer felt they could pretend they thought it was funny. Yes, I do know some people seem to get offended over what seem to be very minor things, but often these microaggressions are very hurtful. We don't recognize them because we have different life experiences.
So my general rule of thumb is that it's okay to have fun but certain types of
humor are out of bounds, and that is humor relating to sex or gender or any
other protected class. Slurs, name-calling, or other types of personal attacks
are also not okay. Boundaries for physical contact also need to be clear. Texas
is the hugging capital of the United States, I think, but as a rule, unless you
know the other party is open to that, control yourself. Even if hugging is
accepted, there is a matter of degree.
Managers should set the example and correct behavior that crosses the line.
Have fun, but be responsible. (Think drinking--one or two drinks is usually
acceptable, but too many can land you in trouble.)
No comments:
Post a Comment