It’s a phrase you’ve heard since the beginning of your working life—maybe from a parent, or from a workplace mentor or college professor, when working on the perpetually dreaded group project. It’s a scenario that’s as old as time—people who have to work together have a difference of opinion.
Nevertheless. . .“You still have to work together.”
It’s possible that the hypothetical difference of opinion could come as a result of a work-related matter, which cannot be avoided—but it’s equally possible that you disagree with a colleague on something more personal to you, something closer to your heart. I’m not here to tell you to not speak your mind or hold fast to your beliefs, but in the workplace, you’re best off staying away from those aforementioned important matters, such as the following.
Religion (Or Lack Thereof)
It’s important to you to practice Christianity. It’s important to your cubicle mate to practice Judaism. And the Atheist in the cube across from you perpetually glares at the rosary hanging in the cube next door. However—the one life aspect you all have in common is that you’ve been assigned to the same project. So long as you’re not hurting anyone by living your beliefs, by all means stick to your faith. Most workplaces are required to provide a written agreement indicating that they will not discriminate based on one’s religion—in fact, our list of illegal interview questions states that potential employers are not permitted to ask about a candidate’s religion. But group projects have the potential for ruin should a discussion of one’s religious beliefs arise between the three co-workers exemplified here. While you may claim to be accepting of all faiths, be careful to protect yourself as well as your colleagues—all it takes is one instigator to create hurt feelings over which religion is the “right” religion.
Politics
Ah, the dreaded Red State versus Blue State Debate. A hotbed of differing opinions is possible here—which you are more than entitled to. As we’ve stated previously in discussion of the upcoming presidential election, it’s important to keep politics out of the workplace. There’s a good possibility that no two political leanings—within your department—are alike. You could be with your cubicle neighbor on immigration, but not on foreign policy—and with your boss on the second amendment, but not immigration. It’s difficult for any one person to lean completely left or right—which leaves room for lots of differing views.
Departmental Social Events (When Everyone Isn’t Included)
A few of you headed to Happy Hour last night. Key words of that statement: a few of you. It’s possible you’ve made a few passing comments about a colleague who wasn’t in the room—as that’s only natural, and you are allowed to vent outside of the office—but the name of the game here is to not hurt someone else’s feelings so badly that it makes it difficult to work together. It’s also human nature to relive a recent conversation—but that colleague is now in the room. Conclusion: you’re best off not discussing it at all—you could slip without even realizing it. Also, you don’t know who will be offended if left out from an outing. Unless it’s been discussed previously and the whole department was invited, don’t forget to keep said outing off social media.
Your Side Hustle
This one’s up to you, but I would advise avoiding it for your protection—especially if you own a small, possibly online business. Imagine the awkwardness if your favorite colleague—who you know in a small capacity outside of work—fails to pay you for the scarf that you could have sold on Etsy to a paying customer. Before you know it, that colleague will stop promising the money and you’ll still have to sit across from said colleague the next morning, and the next, and the next—to the point where you’re internally praying for this person to find a new job. While we’ve said it’s okay to be friends with your colleagues on Facebook, consider blocking them from posts in which you advertise your side hustle via social media.
Group dynamics can be awkward enough without the added tensions of sensitive subjects. That said, we millennials are known for our willingness to express ourselves. In the moment—it’s possible you’ll feel like you’re “holding it all in” (I know from experience)—but I’m also here to tell you that a harmonious workplace is worth keeping quiet for.
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