The Language We Don’t Use: What’s Taboo at Work in Different Cultures
- adamraelson
- Sep 21
- 2 min read
The word taboo comes from tapu in Polynesian cultures, which meant that certain objects, names, or words became unspeakable or forbidden, for spiritual reasons. For example, if a revered chief died, ordinary words that even sounded like his name could suddenly become forbidden and would need to be replaced with new ones.
In today’s workplaces, our own “taboos” may not be sacred, but they’re just as powerful. We like to think of the workplace as a space of “open communication” yet every culture has its invisible red lines on topics that are off-limits, awkward, or simply not done. However, what’s taboo in one culture's workplace can be perfectly normal in another.
Here are a 5 examples where global norms collide in the workplace:
Talking about pay: In the U.S. and Northern Europe, pay transparency is gaining traction. In much of Asia, however, discussing salary openly is considered extremely disrespectful.
Humor and non-PC jokes: In Germany, the Czech Republic, or other parts of Central & Eastern Europe, blunt, sarcastic, or "non-politically correct" jokes can fly around the office without much fuss. In the U.S. or U.K., one misplaced joke can trigger an HR escalation, where humor is heavily policed for inclusivity.
LGBTQ+ Pride: In North America and Western Europe, Pride is often celebrated at work with events, rainbow logos, and employee networks. In other regions, such as across parts of Asia, the Middle East, deep Eastern Europe, or Africa, any topics related to sexuality are perceived to be kept at home and may be avoided entirely at the workplace due to cultural or legal sensitivities.
First names vs. formal titles: In the U.S., the Netherlands, or Scandinavia, even CEOs go by their first name. In France, Japan, and much of Asia or Latin America, formal titles signal respect. Calling a senior leader by their first name might come across as rude rather than friendly.
Politics and religion: In France, political debates at lunch are stimulating and almost expected. In the U.S., many workplaces avoid politics and religion to keep harmony. In the Middle East, religion is woven into daily life so much that ignoring it feels unnatural, even in the workplace.
Why it matters
What’s left unsaid often reveals more about a culture than what’s spoken. Missteps across these invisible boundaries can damage trust, cause offence, or simply make collaboration harder.
At the same time, avoiding sensitive topics entirely has its costs: it prevents honest conversations about equity, inclusion, or the lived realities of employees in different parts of the world.
What organizations can do
Acknowledge differences. Don’t assume global alignment on what’s appropriate.
Encourage curiosity. Invite employees to share how communication norms work in their culture.
Create safe spaces. Make dialogue possible without forcing disclosure.
Model awareness. Leaders set the tone by showing respect for both openness and boundaries.
Visit www.culturecommsconsulting.com to explore how we can help you lead effectively in multinational environments.
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