6 Topics You Shouldn't Discuss at Work

There are some topics that when brought up at work could make your coworkers uncomfortable so you should avoid discussing them. It could also influence their opinions of you and your ability to do your job. Awkwardness in the workplace can affect its functioning and ultimately the employer's bottom line.

Religion

Religion is a topic about which you should tread very lightly in the workplace. One's faith is a personal thing, and many people are sensitive about it. Do not discuss your religious beliefs in depth and keep any negative opinions about others' beliefs to yourself. Never, no matter what, try to persuade anyone you work with to convert to your faith. Your coworkers don't want to hear that you disagree with them about this or that your religion is the right one for everyone.

Politics

Politics is probably a more volatile topic than any other. It causes tempers to flare and has ended relationships, even between close friends and family. While you may feel very strongly about your party or the candidate you support, or you may have an intensely unfavorable opinion of the opposition, do not try to win your coworkers over to your side. It will be a futile effort that will merely cause hard feelings between you and them.

Personal Problems

Discussing problems that you are having with your spouse, children or parents may cause others, including your boss, to wonder if these difficulties will distract you from doing your job. When supervisors or managers are candid about their problems, their subordinates may see this as a weak spot they can exploit. This can undermine your authority. In addition, highlighting your problems will make you become the subject of workplace gossip.

Health Problems

Even though health issues—mental or physical—are nothing to be ashamed of, don't dwell on them too much at work. You may choose not to talk about them at all or to be very open, but regardless of how much, or how little, you disclose, avoid sharing every last detail of your condition. When your colleagues know you are sick, they may question your ability to do your job well, just as they could if they knew about your family problems. 

Career Aspirations

Talking about your ambitions will, for good reason, make your boss question your loyalty and causes some coworkers to resent you. If you are interested in advancing within your current organization, do your job exceptionally well, and of course, let your boss know you want to move up through the company's ranks. Your actions will speak for you. There isn't anything wrong with seeing your current job as a steppingstone to bigger and better things but keep those sentiments to yourself.