Comments on: Letterman off Base? Workplace jokes no laughing matter?

By: Casey

Casey — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 05:37:16 +0000

So here is what I don’t get. Yes, jokes in the workplace are inappropriate, and the potential of harassment extends to customers of the workplace… But Letterman IS the workplace for his staff, and anyone who watches is his customer. So he apologies. But what about shock talk shows on the radio. How exactly is it okay for them to continually cross the line of what is appropriate in any other workplace? Sure sure, first amendment rights, freedom of speech — all that plays into it. But in every other workplace there is this line that apparently does not exist in late night television or shock talk radio. Seems like you people have a lot of double standards.

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:12:59 +0000

Here are links ot a couple of good articles about the do’s and don’ts of telling jokes in the workplace:

http://stress.about.com/od/workplacestress/a/officehumor.htm

http://www.laughterremedy.com/articles/negative_humor.html

By: Bob

Bob — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:06:05 +0000

The question for the workplace is: when is the line crossed? Laughter can be very good for teambuilding, but you have to ask yourself whether the subject of the joke is enjoying it? Would you enjoy the joke if were played on you?