23 offensive things youre accidentally saying at work

23 offensive things youre accidentally saying at work23 offensive things youre accidentally saying at workOften well hear condescendingmicroaggressionsthat someone may or may bedrngnis consciously express - whether theyre sexist, racist, homophobic, ageistor discriminatory in another capacity. The may even come from people who mean well.Microaggressions can make a workplace both unsafe and toxic, especially because theyre sometimes so subtle. How do you know if youre on the receiving end? If you feel slightly insulted, even though the thing theyve said binnenseems complimentary on the surface, you may have witnessed a microaggression.Weve rounded up 23 things people say that are most definitely not OK in the office or elsewhere.1. Youre so articulate for yourage.This is a condescending and ageist comment to say to a young person in an office.2. Youre gay? You should meet my gay friendImagine saying, Youre straight? You should meet my straight friend Its not okay.3. You can pull that off unlike someone with x body part.Telling someone that they can pull of a certain outfit piece better than someone with bigger breasts or longer legs or wider hips, etc. is not only rude anytime, but its especially inappropriate in an office space. Leave any comments about a persons physical appearance out of your workplace conversations.4. Sorry, wrong person.If youre going to meet with someone in a particular position and, when you get to their desk or office, they dont look the part, dont be so quick to assume.5. No, where are youreallyfrom?Its rude to assume that someone isnt from where they tell you theyre from just because they dont look like you.6. Your name is impossible to pronounceA wealth of research suggests that people with difficult-to-pronounce names have a harder time finding work and are considered less likable. When you ask someone their name, dont judge it. Try to learn it.7. My anfhrer is crazy.Your boss may be overwhelmed or have a lot on his or her plate - dont be so quick to throw insults around, especially in the office where word travels.8. Its so inspiring that youve overcome your disability.Theres no need to call out someone for being differently abled than you. Maybe they really do inspire you, but theyre living their life how they know how. Let them do it.9. You must be in the wrong room.Dont make assumptions about people and their positions based on what they look like, or their age even. If someone walks into a room who doesnt belong there, theyll quickly figure it out on their own when you politely introduce yourself instead.10. Wow, is that your real hair?Asking a person of color if their hair is real is intrusive and rude. This is especially rude because theres a long history of oppressing women of color in public spaces like schools and offices for wearing their hair naturally.11. Youre trans? Id never have guessed - you dont look it at all.Sure, you want to compliment someone for a successful transition, but how about j ust accepting them for the person they are instead of analyzing how they became to be that person? Besides, what does a trans person look like anyway? Were all individuals.12. You look like one of the internsCalling someone out on looking young comes across condescending.13. Do you even know how to use Facebook?If you ask an older person in the office if they know how to use social media like Facebook, it comes across as ageist. If they dont know how to use a platform, help them dont call them out on something they didnt grow up with.14. You have an Instagram? I didnt think youd know what it isLikewise, calling out an older person in the office for using a platform like Instagram is rude.15. Why do you wear that x item?Never ask someone why they wear something - whether thats a hijab or hair extensions. Let them live.16. Let me interrupt you for a second.Let them finish for a second.17. I dont see color.You doseecolor. We allseecolor. What you want to say is that you accept people of all colors as equal.18. I dont want to sound racist/homophobic/sexist but If you have to preface a statement with saying you dont want to sound a certain way, its probably because youre about to sound that way.19. Not to make it a race/gay/gender thing but Again, if you have to preface a statement with not to make it about a topic, its probably because youre about to do just that.20. When I was your age Depending on the circumstances, telling a younger colleague in the office that, when you were their age, you did this or that can be condescending. Youre not their age, and theyre not you.21. I told you so.When things hit the fan, dont be the one to say, I told you so. Be the one to help come up with a resolution.22. You should speak to x name of Someone in an entirely irrelevant role, theyre great at this stuff.If your coworker who works in the photography apartment is working on an editing program they specialize in, referring them to the guy who works in IT but plays around with cameras in his spare time is essentially negating this persons experience and credibility. They didnt ask for help, and they especially dont need it from someone with less experience than they have.23. We all have to start somewhere.This is true, and its often good advice. But dont say it in asupercilious way to someone in a position below you.AnnaMarie Houlis is a multimedia journalist and an adventure aficionado with a keen cultural curiosity and an affinity for solotravel. Shes an editor by day and a travel blogger at HerReport.org by night.A version of this deutsche bundespost previously appeared onFairygodboss, the largest career community that helps women get the inside scoop on pay, corporate culture, benefits, and work flexibility. Founded in 2015, Fairygodboss offers company ratings, job listings, discussion boards, and career advice.