Let’s prevent subconscious slip-of-the-minds that might offend coworkers

We live in the 21^st century, where – luckily – the office environments get more and more diverse. Over the past decades, company cultures became this melting pot of people from all walks of life. Especially within coworking spaces – and we’re pretty proud of this diversity. Every manager or CEO wants their employees to feel welcome, respected and perfectly comfortable under their roof. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Research points out that nearly 60% of US workers have seen, or experienced themselves, discrimination in the workplace.

When’s the joke on you?

Even though (in most countries) it’s illegal to discriminate within the workplace – it still happens abundantly. And sometimes, subconsciously. And the numbers are quite shocking. Of course, this 60% outlines only one country in the world (US), but unfortunately office discrimination happens all over. At Spaces, we leave no room for office discrimination. But when is an office prank still funny and at what point are you seriously crossing a line? We understand this might be a little confusing. After all, everyone has a different sense of humour. Well, let’s talk tolerance.

The National Day of Tolerance

Saturday November 16^th is the International Day for Tolerance. A day to stand still and raise awareness for the negative effects of intolerance, like disrespecting someone’s religious or political beliefs, ethnicity, gender, age, or even their looks. The International Day for Tolerance gives teachers a reason to address these issues in class, human rights activists the chance to speak up and authorities and governments the opportunity to debate on topics like discrimination, oppression, racism and injustice. And it might give you a window to talk about possible tolerance issues at work, during lunchtime or a coffee break. Don’t be afraid to bring it up if you, yourself, feel discriminated in any way or you have the feeling another co-worker is being disrespected.

Unintentional discrimination

While you’re reading this, it might feel like something too far removed. But sometimes people are not even aware of the fact that they’re discriminating someone or hurting their feelings. After all, a ‘good’ sense of humour is relative. So, think – with a capital T – before you crack a joke in the workplace and ask yourself: is this really funny? Moreover, (re)consider how well you know your fellow co-worker. Who knows, you might be offending someone without even knowing or realising it. But whatever you do, try not to encourage negative stereotyping. Because even if it’s not directed at a specific person, it can still qualify as provocative and discriminating. Not everyone that believes in God wears a cross necklace or carries a bible around. In the same regard, not everyone talks about their romantic getaway with their lesbian girlfriend or spills which political party they’re secretly rooting for. Keep in mind that unintentional discrimination is still discrimination.

From humour to harassment: where do we draw the line?

Jokes can be tricky. It might not look like it, but there’s a fine line between humour and slander, harassment or discrimination. What you might think is funny or harmless teasing, might be inappropriate or even illegal. Research  states that 42% of the women in the US say they were discriminated on the job due to their gender. In other words, they were judged for being a woman. The recipient might act like he or she doesn’t care, but in the meantime experience this as demeaning and hurtful. But, where do we draw the line? According to UCLA Law professor Eugene Volokh, right here:

‘Speech can be punished as workplace harassment if it’s: “Severe or pervasive” enough to … create a “hostile or abusive work environment” based on race, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability (including obesity), military membership or veteran status, or, in some jurisdictions, sexual orientation, marital status, transsexualism or cross-dressing, political affiliation, criminal record, prior psychiatric treatment, occupation, citizenship status, personal appearance, “matriculation,” tobacco use outside work, Appalachian origin, receipt of public assistance, or dishonourable discharge from the military; for a reasonable person.’

Keep up the office pranks

Okay, we’re certainly addressing a serious issue here. But let’s not suck all the fun out of it and dismiss humour in the workplace, please. We’d say: keep up the office pranks. Everyone enjoys a good laugh and it’s what makes for good relationships at work. Just keep in mind the feelings of your fellow co-workers and lose the hostility, prejudice or ridicule.

Within every Spaces building, wherever the location, we want every single one of you to feel equally appreciated and respected. Simply every employee deserves to walk into the office, wherever that is, and feel comfortable and accepted for who they are. Let’s set that bar of awesome (co)working behaviour and let’s set it high, shall we?