Chatter in the Office: Is it a Big Deal?

Lets face it, chatting at work has gone on for as long as people have been working I'm sure. People talk about everything, especially each other. Times have certainly changed and people have become more and more sensitive to the words of others. Everything you say something you have to worry about people filing suits or reporting fellow employees for saying things that offend people. Even if the person was not offended directly. So I have come up with these 2 rules to make sure it doesn't happen to you.
1. Topics:
This depends on the kind of job you have. For example: you cannot discus politics if you work in a courthouse or any other government function. You never know who is listening and you never know if a person is Democratic or Republican or whatever. People take Political affiliations very serious and you could get caught up in some pretty sticky situations when it comes time for a promotion. Sports and Entertainment are usually safe topics. What you did over the weekend or shows you may have watched are also fine. Religion is a big No! This goes even more so than politics because your insulting their faith. Comments or talking about race or sexual preference is a absolute no because you may not say something in a demeaning way but people can mistake anything for disrespect. Hate crimes can destroy your career.
2. Profanity is something that cannot be tolerated in work conversations. Almost everyone uses it and it is no big deal to most. But like I said before, The ears of some people are so fragile the first vulgarity that comes your of your mouth, could land you straight on the unemployment line.
*** This is just an extra I like to throw out there. DTE. Don't trust Everyone. People in the office could be your best friend and smile in your face all day long. But the second you turn around, You'd be surprised what they will say. Treat everyone the same until you feel you can trust them. And even then do not tell all. People love to use information against someone. Especially when its promotion time.
Good Luck and remember these rules.