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PAE
Understanding Office Taboos • Eating smelly food: Refrain from bringing
Office taboos are unspoken norms and pungent or strong-smelling foods to the
customs that govern the behaviour of workplace.
employees in the workplace. These unwritten • Using mobiles excessively: Limit personal
rules can vary greatly across cultures, cell phone use during work hours.
industries, and even individual organisations.
While some taboos may seem arbitrary, • Taking credit for others’ work:
they often serve important purposes such Acknowledge the contributions of colleagues
as maintaining a professional atmosphere, and give credit where it’s due.
respecting boundaries, and fostering a sense • Micromanaging: Avoid excessive
of community.
supervision and allow employees to work
Breaching an office taboo can lead to autonomously.
awkwardness, misunderstandings, or even • Invading personal space: Respect
damage to professional relationships. For colleagues’ physical boundaries and
example, interrupting a colleague during maintain an appropriate distance.
a meeting is considered a taboo in many
workplaces, as it can disrupt the flow of Navigating Office Taboos
discussion and show disrespect for the Navigating office taboos can be challenging,
speaker. Similarly, discussing personal especially for new employees or those coming
matters in the workplace can make from different cultural backgrounds. Here are
colleagues uncomfortable and can be seen as some tips for respecting and understanding
unprofessional.
these unwritten rules:
Common Office Taboos • Observe and listen: Pay attention to the
Here are some common office taboos to be behaviour of colleagues and listen to what
aware of: they’re saying. This can help you identify
unspoken norms.
• Interrupting colleagues: Allow others to
finish speaking before interjecting. • Ask questions: If you’re unsure about a
particular behaviour, don’t be afraid to ask a
• Discussing personal matters: Keep trusted colleague or mentor for guidance.
private conversations out of the workplace.
• Be respectful: Always treat colleagues with
• Gossiping: Avoid spreading rumors or respect, even if you don’t agree with their
engaging in negative talk about colleagues.
opinions or behaviours.
• Using inappropriate language: Maintain a • Adapt: Be willing to adjust your behaviour to
professional tone in emails, meetings, and fit the culture of your workplace.
casual conversations.
• Avoid assumptions: Don’t assume that
• Dressing inappropriately: Adhere to everyone shares the same values or beliefs.
the dress code and avoid revealing or
distracting clothing.
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