20 things you should never say to your coworkers

Having friends at work can make you more productive.One way to make friends is to complain. A recent article in The Cut detailed how positive workplace gossip can lead to friendships and even warn others of difficult managers.But gossiping can backfire if not done correctly. Here are some words and phrases you should never say to a coworker.Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.Getting along with your coworkers is a beautiful thing. It can make your workday less dreary, help you focus better, and make you more productive.While making work friends can be awkward, one way to break the ice is to start complaining.Complaining about work tasks means you trust the other person not to spill your secrets, and can lead to closer friendships down the line, according to The Cut. One researcher calls productive work gossip “pro-social,” or gossip that can lead to warning your peers about difficult managers or other information that results in more productive work.Read more: 11 tips to help you move on from a job rejectionSome experts, however, warn against getting too chummy with your coworker. While some lighthearted gossiping can be positive, there are certain phrases or conversations that can make you sound unprofessional (and even harassing). “In conversation, use a little common sense and discretion, especially when there are others present,” says Rosalinda Oropeza Randall, an etiquette and civility expert and the author of “Don't Burp in the Boardroom.” “The general guideline is that if you wouldn't say it in front of your boss, don't say it.”Aside from the obvious — like profanity and insults — here are some words and phrases you should never utter to your coworkers: