Monday, November 07, 2005

Totally Lame Dude

Gannett News Service is running a column by Andrea Kay about the use of youthful “slang” in the workplace.  It probably goes without saying that inappropriate use of informal language can damage your reputation at work, but it would have been nice for Andrea to point to at least one example that makes her case.  I also find ironic her claim that young workers should stop focusing on themselves when her entire point seems ego-driven.

So what does this have to do with HR/employment law?  Focus your energy on promoting effective communication in the workplace and not some Andy Rooney-like ethnocentric language code.  Form is important, but only when you actually know it makes a difference.