What type of topics should be off-limits in the work place?

2016-04-22T10:44:10-04:00

Water cooler talk, Monday morning Quarterbacking, conspiracy theories or heated debates? What topics should be off-limits in the work place? Please share your stories.....good, bad or even the ugly.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2016 10:45 AM

2016-04-22T10:45:44-04:00

I'll go with the three I mentioned below, in general.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/there-are-three-topics-you-generally-shouldn-t-discuss-at-work-politics-religion-and-finances-has-that-changed

There are three topics you generally shouldn't discuss at work - politics, religion, and...

Response by MSgt Rena Schmidt made Apr 22 at 2016 10:57 AM

2016-04-22T10:57:53-04:00

We were told as aircrew moving passengers never discuss politics religion we still did

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Apr 22 at 2016 10:58 AM

2016-04-22T10:58:50-04:00

If you really want to be safe, the only thing you should be talking about at the workplace is work.

Response by CW3 Stephen Bacon made Apr 22 at 2016 11:07 AM

2016-04-22T11:07:48-04:00

You question illustrates exactly what is wrong with America at present. Utter and complete fear of offending someone or being non-PC. If I didn't wish to participate in a conversation, I walk away. Personally Chief, if you started talking about BMO's and vehicles, I would walk away. As I am sure if I was talking about the benefits of Harley's Vs. Indians, you'd probably walk away....... Politics, religion and other high-charged conversations have their place, it's the people who cannot handle them or not being able to converse with someone of a differing opinion are the problem. The subjects themselves are no different that you or I talking about the benefits of colonoscopy's or pap smears. It boils down to the people having the conversation and whether or not they are able to conduct themselves appropriately.

Response by SFC Jimmy Hernandez-Benitez made Apr 22 at 2016 11:08 AM

2016-04-22T11:08:17-04:00

Really?, Employees are there to work not to be discussing anything else. That's why other countries are ahead of us. We have to many crying babies, just like someone running for president.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2016 11:11 AM

2016-04-22T11:11:12-04:00

Anything political, gun-based, abortion, equality, workload, drugs....the list goes on but I won't keep going. Reason I put this is because one way or the other (and some aren't like this) someone will try and 1UP your comment, take it out of context, get too EMOTIONAL about what you are talking about. I understand having a passion for something and that's fine to talk about but don't cry, scream, point fingers, use complicated words even they don't understand, or only have a portion of the actual story. I can't count the amount of times I've seen someone over-react on a topic and it could be as simple as asking how their day was.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2016 11:20 AM

2016-04-22T11:20:44-04:00

I find it ironic that for an all inclusive society, we fear speaking openly about things. I believe that all topics should have open dialogue, but with decorum. When shouting, anger, and threats get involved, it never turns out good.

I have seen an instance where a person asked about the "Ferguson riots," trying to understand the W5H (who, what when, etc). He was immediately derided for being white privileged, racist, and had an EO complaint filed against him. It took a more level headed person, someone who was from there, to show him the reason, explain the situation in full, and inform him of the purpose, to which helped him understand. Prior to that, he refused to work with anyone, let alone help, due to fear of labels and actions.

I can say, I have been blessed in that many I have worked with are very intelligent, so talks about all things occur. We have unwritten rules, whereby if something upsets or bothers, please politely inform others. Often what offends one, does not offend another. I find in many of these conversations a presentation of information, of which helps me to learn, understand, and at times, have a greater appreciation for our diversity. While I may not agree with x, y, or z, does not mean that I am not open to learning. While one may not change my opinion, they do help to show me a different side of things I may not have thought of or considered.

With that said, be courteous of others when approaching topics that may be touchy. Know the people you are speaking to, do not be afraid to ask for assistance in understanding, explain why you do not understand, maintain a level head, and know that we all will have to agree to disagree at times. This is what makes our military great, the differences we bring, yet the ability to work together.

Vaya con dios, mi amigos.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2016 11:22 AM

2016-04-22T11:22:23-04:00

I would highly recommend that you not talk about the boss's incompetence.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2016 11:26 AM

2016-04-22T11:26:57-04:00

don't argue and don't get personal. anything is open to "talk".

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Apr 22 at 2016 11:35 AM

2016-04-22T11:35:08-04:00

I don't think any topic should have to be arbitrarily off-limits, but with that said, a workplace should be professional, respectful, and nondiscriminatory. If you have people in your workplace that cannot do that, then they are the problem, not the conversation topics. While I was in the military I had many, many great political and religious discussions with coworkers, many of whom I had very clear differences. But we knew where the boundaries were, and respected each other. That is the key. Instead of not talking, learn how to be respectful of other's opinions.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Apr 22 at 2016 12:03 PM

2016-04-22T12:03:23-04:00

Depends on your workplace, I guess. If you work at a church or synagogue, the discussions probably ought to include religion. If you work as a campaign manager, politics are probably part of the discussion. If you work in the porn industry, probably neither.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2016 12:09 PM

2016-04-22T12:09:15-04:00

There was once this concept-I believe they called it "Freedom". It's always run afoul of that other concept...the one they call "Profit". If your discussions intrude on "profit", expect to have "freedom" limited.

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Apr 22 at 2016 12:37 PM

2016-04-22T12:37:28-04:00

If they got time to talk they have time to police call.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2016 12:50 PM

2016-04-22T12:50:57-04:00

The military isn't a workplace, it's a lifestyle and a family. If you can't have a discussion about anything with a family member, leave the room. If you're working together and not talking about work, change the subject. Saying something is off limits goes against (what I consider) the professionalism of service members to have educated conversation about controversial or fun topics.

Response by SSG Dennis Grossmann made Apr 22 at 2016 3:27 PM

2016-04-22T15:27:16-04:00

When it comes to Monday morning water cooler talk, keep it family-friendly, if you can't say it in front of kids then it will definitely offend someone. Do not start up a what did you do this weekend with the office man-whore.... The details might get him in trouble or fired.
*man-whore used as a term for a freestyle sexually supercharged person, can be male or female.... prime example... watch Archer.

Response by PO1 Steve Holt made Apr 22 at 2016 3:29 PM

2016-04-22T15:29:27-04:00

Nothing should be of limits. He is your family and if you can't trust them then you shouldn't be talking about it or doing it!

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Apr 22 at 2016 5:47 PM

2016-04-22T17:47:14-04:00

Nothing should be off limits, but potentially touchy subjects should wait until one knows their coworkers more. I didn't open up about a lot of things with my coworkers until I got to know them better.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 22 at 2016 7:04 PM

2016-04-22T19:04:40-04:00

Politics and religion!

Response by SPC Michael Mullins made Apr 22 at 2016 7:42 PM

2016-04-22T19:42:19-04:00

Comments that distract from work. Although I do not like bullying or bigotry I thing the politically correct movement is out of control to the point of infringing on our freedom of speech, and all that political correctness does is hides the problem and make intelligent conversation about the issues impossible.

Response by SFC Randy Purham made Apr 22 at 2016 7:48 PM

2016-04-22T19:48:14-04:00

I personally feel that no topic should be off limits. We are adults and if people feel uncomfortable with a topic - either don't discuss it or exit stage left. As Soldiers, Adults, and Productive members of society, you can't avoid everything that my be "sensitive" or "potentially hurt our feelings". Its ridiculous and I am personally utterly tired of the Political Correctness that has plagued our Military.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2016 11:00 AM

2016-04-23T11:00:05-04:00

In principle, no subject should be off-limits. However, because many of us work closely in teams, it isn't always possible - or appropriate - to just walk away from a conversation and leave our opinions at the DFAC, dorms, or barracks. Yes, in the military those places should be considered part of the work place, especially on active duty.

Some subjects are inherently fraught, and as leaders and professionals we should be mindful of how personal differences might affect morale and mission accomplishment. Acrimonious remarks made in the heat of the moment erode trust, undermining unit cohesion and potentially leading to performance problems. In some environments this can be downright dangerous. Moreover, remarks leading to legitimate EO or EEO complaints can be costly, both in financial terms (units are directly responsible for paying costs associated with processing claims having merit) and human resources.

Bottom line: Regardless of subject, workplace conversations should, at the very least, remain respectful. Keep a cool head and remember that, while differences of opinion are expected and inevitable, we do share a common purpose and not only earned the privilege of wearing the uniform, but must keep earning it every day.

Response by Sgt Ramon Nacanaynay made Apr 23 at 2016 4:18 PM

2016-04-23T16:18:08-04:00

Nothing. How in the world are we suppose to learn about anything?

Response by CPL Joshua Wood made Apr 24 at 2016 12:03 AM

2016-04-24T00:03:26-04:00

The PC shit ball continues to grow ever bigger as it rolls down the mountain called "Higher Education". Using my GI bill to attend college here in Northern Alabama you would be amazed at the topics and words that one must avoid as to not "trigger" someone and melt their little individual snowflake heart. This social experiment of limiting speech and giving words more power than they have is a total violation of basic free speech. Even the idea that we need to establish rules concerning what topics should be forbidden in the workplace is (**trigger warning!**) mind-blowing!
So ridiculous and deserves total resistance.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2016 12:37 AM

2016-04-26T00:37:24-04:00

I don't think anything should be off limits. I work in a civilian heavy organization that has a lot of work place differeces than that of a regular unit. The Soldiers whom i work with and some of the civilians regularly engage in conversations consisting of different topics. But at all times we are professional and considerate of others in the work place. As long as there aren't any complaints from others outside of the discussion i see no issues with whatever the topic of the day is.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Apr 26 at 2016 10:19 AM

2016-04-26T10:19:50-04:00

Anything Salt and Pepper sings.