Many of us were raised on the principle that, apart from heated debates around the table at home, which should be encouraged, in company, we do not talk about politics or religion.
If only it were that simple. There is actually a wider and growing range of topics that are best avoided, especially in the workplace.
After all, co-workers are not your family, or even your friends. Like random neighbors you look up next door, they’re just accidents of workplace geography trying to get through their day, pay their bills, and go home, just like you.
What they don’t want is for their origins, their beliefs or their shape to become a source of ridicule, or worse, of significant debates. All that stuff about bringing your authentic self to work? Better not to do it.
Pronounced culture wars
The culture wars are too pronounced, divisive and even dangerous to consider. Whatever your opinions on everything from Gaza to abortion to gender identity, be careful.
If you really want to question someone’s point of principle, at least be respectful and keep in mind the old fable of the sun and the wind; shine a warm light of interest, don’t just bloat people.
Of course, it’s not just politics that should be left aside. Nor religion. There are a multitude of topics that could be controversial, including anything that infringes on classes protected by employment law.
Labor laws prohibit discrimination against anyone on the basis of color, religion, sex – including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity – national origin, age, disability and genetic information.
This includes all aspects of employment, not just hiring and firing, but also compensation, assignments, promotions, terminations, training, benefits “and any other conditions of employment.”
Remember, one person’s hilarious chatter is another person’s harassment complaint. Although the law does not prohibit “mere teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not very serious,” according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, “harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or so severe that it creates a hostile work environment. environment”.
Talk about money
There is, however, one subject that has remained taboo for too long and which deserves to be brought into the open: money.
A study by financial services company Empower suggests that nearly two-thirds of Americans (62%) don’t talk about money. Three-quarters won’t talk about it with their friends and almost half (46%) won’t even talk about it with their own spouse or partner. Many would prefer to talk about politics or death.
Yet this is the only controversial topic we should be discussing, because salary secrecy only helps employers. For the rest of us, it fuels inequality and, in particular, the gender pay gap.
New laws have emerged in some states requiring employers to openly report pay levels. It’s not quite the full transparency of the Scandinavian countries, which publish everyone’s tax returns, but it’s a good start, helping employees establish their worth and then claim it.
As such, it is the only taboo topic that is truly inclusive to talk about.
If you’re in the market to discuss compensation with a new employer, check out opportunities on The Hill Jobs.
Vice President of Federal Government Affairs, Mental Health America
Mental Health America (MHA) is seeking a Vice President of Federal Government Affairs, based in Alexandria, who will be responsible for advancing the organization’s federal legislative and administrative agenda.
Benefits include health insurance with a generous employer match, 401(K) match of up to 5 percent of salary, dental, disability, generous PTO, flexible work arrangements, a professional development fund and a fund to improve mental well-being.
Financial Policy Writer, Office of the Chief Financial Officer
OCFO’s mission is to improve the fiscal and financial stability, accountability, and integrity of government in the District of Columbia.
The company is currently recruiting for a Financial Policy Writer to support business operations and company-wide technology change initiatives by producing effective written communication in the form of policies, procedures and other guidelines. It offers a competitive salary and benefits package including medical, dental, retirement and education assistance.
Business Application Manager, Minova, United States
Minova International is a global manufacturer and supplier of mining equipment and infrastructure.
This Business Applications Manager role, based in Georgetown, KY, is responsible for the support and development of business applications, including ERP systems, Microsoft products, and data visualization and analysis.
Benefits include 401(K) matching, dental, health, life insurance, professional development assistance, bonus system and more.
For more job opportunities this week, check out The Hill Jobs today
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