Avoid Creating a Hostile Workplace at the Office

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A hostile workplace opens yourself and your co-workers to sexual harassment charges and makes going to work uncomfortable for one or more of your co-workers. Keep these tips in mind to avoid creating a hostile workplace in your office. DO: Dress appropriately One way to avoid creating a hostile workplace is to dress appropriately for the office setting. Always follow your dress code, but avoid wearing any clothing that depicts sex, drugs or racial slurs. Additionally, make sure you are tastefully covered. Women must be wary of tops that are too low and skirts that are too short. Men must make sure their pants are pulled up all the way. Everyone needs to ensure work attire is not too form-fitting. DO: Decorate tastefully When decorating your office, do so tastefully. Avoid displaying racy images or figures, and keep racial or religious items at home. When decorating for holidays, be representative of all religions holidays or do not decorate at all. DON'T: Tell offensive jokes One sure way to create a hostile work environment is to tell offensive or off-color jokes. Avoid telling racist, sexist or other offensive jokes, such as gay or blonde jokes. Instead, stick to jokes that are appropriate for the work environment, or limit your conversation to respectful conversation. Do not assume that no one is offended by your jokes simply because no one says so; if someone feels offended, he is unlikely to feel comfortable telling you so. DON'T: Talk about other people Another way to ensure you do not create a hostile workplace is to avoid talking about other people. Do not make comments about another person's appearance or mannerisms. Keep this famous saying in mind, "If you do not have anything nice to say, do not say anything at all." DON'T: Use your workplace to find a date Do not use your workplace as an outlet to find a date. Avoid creating romantic

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