How to deal with offensive remarks at work?
When addressing offensive remarks and tackling discussions about bias and bigotry, it is effective for each individual to acknowledge their own biases. The study revealed that the admittance of one’s own prejudice allowed others to be more honest and vulnerable, thus fostering a more positive climate to engage in uncomfortable dialogue.
Why is it important to speak up when someone makes insensitive remark?
If the insensitive remarks are said around young people or children, you may feel it is important to speak up because you want to be a good role model and not make it seem like insensitive remarks are okay.
Do you laugh when someone makes an offensive remark?
Polite, sensitive people tend to want to smooth things over and find themselves uncomfortably laughing along rather than showing their distaste. If you don’t think a remark is funny, or find it to be offensive, don’t feel obligated to laugh or smile.
How to respond to problematic comments at work?
When it comes to reacting to a problematic comment, no matter what sort of approach you plan to take, just remember to go into it with an open mind. “The first and most important thing to do is to separate the person from the problem,” says Hopkins. “Your co-worker saying something problematic is different from him or her being problematic.
What should you do if someone makes an inappropriate comment at work?
Your colleague says something that immediately makes you feel uncomfortable. He thinks he’s just being funny, but the comment is inappropriate — maybe even offensive, sexist, or racist. What should you say or do if you find yourself in this situation? Is there a way to draw attention to the comment without making the situation worse?
Do you think your feelings are valid or invalid?
Your feelings are valid. Your feelings matter. Emotions serve an important purpose and shouldn’t be ignored. For example, feeling angry, afraid, or sad tells you that something’s wrong. You don’t want to miss these crucial pieces of information because they can help you to take care of yourself and make decisions to keep yourself safe.
What’s the best way to respond to offensive comments?
Research by Alexander Czopp, the director of the Center for Cross-Cultural Research at Western Washington University, and his colleagues shows that “addressing offensive behavior in the right way in the moment can change it in the future.” If you’re in a position of power, the stakes are higher.