4 Inappropriate Workplace Humor Examples You Should See
In this blog post, we'll delve into the negative impact of inappropriate humor in the workplace. While a little bit of humor can be a great way to break the ice, bond with colleagues, and lighten the mood, it's important to remember that not all humor is appropriate for the professional setting.
We'll be exploring 3 examples of inappropriate humor at the workplace through the use of actual dialog between two colleagues, Mark and Andrew. These examples will serve to demonstrate how certain types of humor can be offensive or inappropriate in a professional setting, and how to avoid using it in order to create a positive and respectful work environment. By understanding what types of humor are inappropriate, we can work towards building a workplace culture that values diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect.
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Being negative and cynical
The humor in this dialog is inappropriate because it makes light of the task at hand and belittles the potential success of the project. It also suggests a lack of dedication and commitment to the project and the company. Additionally, the sarcastic tone and jabs at other established companies can be seen as unprofessional and disrespectful. In a professional setting, it is important to approach tasks with a positive and constructive attitude, rather than belittling or mocking them.
Mark: Hey Andrew, have you heard about the new project we're working on?
Andrew: No, I haven't heard anything about it. What's it all about?
Mark: (laughs) It's a real doozy. We have to design a travel app that's going to revolutionize the way people plan their vacations.
Andrew: (laughs) Oh boy, this should be interesting.
Mark: (laughs) Yeah, I can't wait to see how we're going to solve all the world's travel problems with this app.
Andrew: (laughs) Oh man, I can just see it now. We'll have all the answers to everything - what to pack, where to go, how to get there, even what to do when you arrive.
Mark: (laughs) It's going to be amazing! (sarcasm) I mean, who wouldn't want to use a travel app created by a couple of guys who have never even left the country?
Andrew: (laughs) (sarcasm) Yeah, we'll be the experts on everything. It's not like there are already hundreds of other travel apps out there or anything.
Mark: (laughs) (sarcasm) Exactly. We'll be the kings of the travel app world. Just watch out, TripAdvisor. We're coming for you.
Undermining others
This humor is inappropriate at work because it makes light of the potential for injury and implies that the team building activities are ridiculous and not worth taking seriously. It also undermines the purpose of the activities, which is to foster teamwork and strengthen bonds among colleagues. Making jokes about injury or belittling the importance of team building can create a negative and unproductive work environment.
Mark: Hey Andrew, did you see the email from HR about the new team building activities?
Andrew: (laughs) Yeah, I did. Did you see the one about the trust fall exercise?
Mark: (laughs) Yeah, I can't believe we have to do that again. It's so cheesy.
Andrew: (laughs) (joking) Yeah, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to fall and break my neck.
Mark: (laughs) (joking) Yeah, but at least we'll all bond over the fact that we're all in the hospital together.
Andrew: (laughs) (joking) Yeah, because nothing brings a team together like shared injury.
Mark: (laughs) (joking) Exactly. And maybe we'll even get matching casts to really solidify our bond.
Andrew: (laughs) (joking) Yeah, because nothing says "team building" like a bunch of people hobbling around on crutches.
Mark: (laughs) (joking) Yeah, I can't wait. (sarcastically) This is going to be so much fun.
Disrespecting the company
This use of humor is inappropriate in the workplace because it is making fun of and belittling company policies. It is important to respect and adhere to the policies of an organization, even if one does not personally agree with them. Making fun of these policies can create a negative and unprofessional work environment, and can also undermine the authority of those who have implemented them. It is important to handle any issues or concerns with company policies in a respectful and professional manner, rather than using humor as a way to dismiss or belittle them.
Mark: Hey Andrew, have you heard about the new policy they're implementing?
Andrew: Yeah, I heard about it. It's pretty ridiculous, if you ask me.
Mark: (laughs) Yeah, it's like they're trying to turn us into robots or something.
Andrew: (laughs) I know, right? "No personal phone calls during work hours" - what are we, robots with no personal lives?
Mark: (laughs) Exactly! And don't even get me started on the "no eating at your desk" rule.
Andrew: (laughs) Oh man, that's just ridiculous. Who came up with these policies, anyways?
Mark: (laughs) I have no idea. All I know is that I'm going to have to find a new place to hide my stash of snacks.
Andrew: (laughs) Yeah, me too. These new policies are just absurd.
Being insensitive
This example of humor is inappropriate because it makes light of the exploitation of workers and their lack of agency in the workplace. It is not appropriate to joke about being slaves or being forced to participate in a deadly competition. This type of humor can be distressing and offensive to some people, and it does not contribute to a positive and respectful work environment.
Mark: "Ugh, I can't believe we have to stay late again to finish this presentation."
Andrew: "I know, right? We're like the heroes of the office, always working overtime to save the day."
Mark: "Heroes? More like slaves to the corporate machine."
Andrew: "Yeah, but at least we get paid for our overtime. And we're not being forced to walk around with giant target signs on our backs like in the Hunger Games."
Mark: "Good point. And hey, at least we get to work with each other. It could be worse."
Andrew: "Absolutely. We make a great team. Now let's just focus on getting this presentation done and we can celebrate with some well-deserved drinks after."
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