Main taboo topics at work

20 of May, 2025

We spend more time with our coworkers than with many of our friends. It’s only natural that all sorts of conversations arise during those hours. However, there are some taboo topics in companies.

If you’re wondering what these taboo topics that significantly affect companies are, you’ve come to the right place.

Here you will find a detailed list of those aspects that you should not deal with on a daily basis.

The taboo topics in companies

Complaining about other coworkers

At some point, you may not know how to deal with frustration. Or, someone might have acted poorly, and you were affected. But this does not justify expressing your outrage publicly or to another coworker.

Focus on bringing out your best version and shift the focus away from others. Speaking ill of the rest will never bring you anything good and will only lead to disappointments.

Discussing politics or ideals

Debating the government’s latest measures is very common. However, politics is one of those taboo topics in companies.

Our ideals, as noble as they may seem, can cause unnecessary conflicts with others.

Setting our differences aside allows us to avoid value judgments and focus exclusively on work.

Sometimes it’s better to take a deep breath and let it go rather than launch into a heated debate. You will be grateful for it in the long run. Trust me: the best fights are the ones you avoid.

Hate, another taboo topic in companies

You should never bad-mouth where you came from, or your former colleagues and bosses. Why? Anyone could think that you’re not taking responsibility for your actions.

What’s more! Surely there will be those who think that if you’re capable of speaking in such a way about others, you might also do it about your new teammates.

Don’t reveal signs of immaturity by judging the past. Instead, always show consideration for where you came from. Otherwise, you’ll fall into one of those taboo topics in companies.

And if temptation gets the better of you, rest assured knowing about this study by Gallup. It reveals that up to 80% of employees have at some point felt dissatisfied with their job.

If our teammates could avoid the issue, we certainly can too.

Protect your privacy

Talking about our lives in the office is inevitable and human. However, it is advisable that we do not make others uncomfortable by excessively talking about our partner, friends, or family, one of those taboo topics in companies.

To do this, it is better to have people we trust and go to a place outside the company. That change of scene will benefit our disconnection, you’ll see.

Moreover, sharing that information with colleagues may cause the news to leak, spread by word of mouth, or ultimately create an unnecessary stress situation. Save yourself some trouble and try to reconcile both worlds to avoid problems.

No matter what, never criticize the company

Abstention is the best option when positioning oneself about the company’s philosophy.

It’s normal that you go through times when you doubt the direction being taken, but that does not mean we should verbalize our doubts.

In times of concern, always try to be constructive. If you think you can help improve something, share it with your superiors when appropriate. Contribute to the company’s growth by being cautious and respectful, never from intolerance.

Wage differences

Indeed. Among all the taboo topics in companies, we wanted to leave this one almost for the end. Surely it is the most delicate issue you have faced. And it’s not surprising, is it? Confidentiality is necessary for any company to function, so we should not question it. Especially considering that each employee obeys a different reality.

Behind the slightest wage difference hides a reality that in most cases we are not aware of. Acting with caution when revealing ours is essential to safeguarding the stability of ours.

Taboo topic in companies: gender

When talking about the wage gap between genders, the scenario changes. According to INE data, women continue to experience a clear wage disadvantage ranging from 4 to 18%. This is also one of the taboo topics in companies.

Choose your words carefully and strive to not be offensive towards one sex or the other. Avoid comments that promote inequality between men and women and ensure that this difference is alleviated with your daily actions.

Being aware of reality helps us to become better and to aim for fair and equitable conditions within any sector.

Conclusion on taboo topics in companies

The taboo topics in companies increase day by day, with each societal debate or minor conflict. They are unavoidable, but it’s only in our hands to deal with them in the best possible way.

Not forgetting who we are and where we are is crucial to maintaining a healthy work environment in the office. After all, work is just that: work.

We should feel accomplished and be part of a strong, united group, yet without forgetting that there are limits that are better not to cross.

And when in doubt, remember the most important thing: being prudent can become our best virtue.

If you found this article interesting and want to know more about taboo topics at work, don’t hesitate to check out our blog.

HR professional with experience in building strong 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 among HR leaders. As the founder of the 𝐇𝐑 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 and 𝐇𝐑 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲, I leverage my 15+ years of experience to enhance the professional landscape for HR leaders.

Do you want to rate our article?

tiagosantos

HR Content Specialist