What do you think about banter in the workplace?

What do you think about banter in the workplace?

It got me thinking about this topic as I came across a report by the Financial Times stating that tribunal claims relating to banter in the workplace had increased by a huge 44% between 2020 and 2021. That shocked me because it was also a time when a lot of us were working from home.

Workplace banter has always been around. We spend so much time with our work colleagues that it’s something that lightens and brightens up the day, helps build good relationships, increases productivity, and brings happiness.  But what this report has also made me think about is, what happens if it goes too far?

I’ve looked at what the definition of banter is and they all say something like “a conversation that is witty, not serious”.   However what one person feels is light-hearted and jovial could be interpreted by someone else as insulting, upsetting or paramount to bullying, harassment, or discrimination, and it’s these sorts of things that are popping up in the tribunals.  Just a little food for thought as to what happens when it does all goes wrong; the current cap on unfair dismissal claims is £93,878, but there is no cap on claims of discrimination or harassment. 

I really couldn’t sum it up any better than this great video from the Anti-Bullying Alliance.

Do you have an equality and diversity policy or training in place? It’s something I would highly recommend, and of course, I can help you with this, please do get in touch. 

How are you at managing your team's performance? Why not read my blog on that topic now?

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