How much is too much when it comes to making fun of people, in the office environment?

Question

I mean this in a joking manner. Let's not get all sensitive!

Answer 1

It doesn't matter - do whatever makes you feel good....
Its all about you...right?

Answer 2

It is too much when they get upset, or their feelings get hurt. Some people's breaking point doesn't take much more than saying "boo' to them, while others take joking and pranks pretty well, it's up to you to decide how far to go without crossing the line!.
And as you have already seen...there are a lot of really serious people on yahoo answers, most who wouldn't know a joke if it slapped them in the face!
I think that making fun of people can be very funny and long as it isn't done out of mailiciousness, and you can take what you give out to others as well.
You just have to know when enough is enough.

Answer 3

All of the basic rules of basic human courtesy, kindness, and sensitivity that apply anywhere else also apply in an office... and then take it to a higher standard because you are in a professiona/work environment. Group ridicule of an individual is ALWAYS to much, anywhere you are. Never attack appearance or character, whatever the circumstances. And if someone needs to be coached on behavior that is upsetting the group, have someone they trust do it gently.

Answer 4

I would say if each party understands it is an on going joke that's fine. I believe that an adult conversation before the the fun is made is the most appropriate. But I think everyone needs a good wedgie once in a while.

Answer 5

You always have to be careful when teasing people, etc... Some can take it and will just tease back, some can't. Unless you have a good personal rapport with the co-worker and will be able to know or sense when enough is enough, I say leave teasing out of the office.

Answer 6

making fun of people is mean and juvenile.. even if your just joking around, it still hurts.. my dad was made fun of when he was younger.. they said he had big feet. his feet were normal size. he was self conscious about them for YEARS. even if you are just playing around you never know what the person is thinking or taking away from it.. even if they are laughing along with you. you could help ruin their self esteem and only a low-life would want to do that to another person for no good reason except their own pleasure.... how about you try giving compliments and making everyone feel good instead of make fun of them? then you'll help others feel good instead of bad about themselves, and you'll have a million more friends because everyone will want to be around you.

Answer 7

When it hurts another's feelings. This goes for any environment (even the office). If it would hurt your feelings, then it will hurt anothers. Also, if it pokes fun of a person's imperfections (and we ALL have imperfections), then it should not be said.

Answer 8

any is too much. if it would hurt you. it would hurt someone else.. And it is not right! The office environment is not a place for that anyway..

Answer 9

You shouldnt make fun of anybody, they're there for the same reason as you. Why make their work life hard. Usually people that make fun of other people like that are insecure geeks themselves who do it to make themselves feel big.

Answer 10

Any is too much. There is a big difference in teasing and 'making fun of.' Teasing is to charming and harmless as 'making fun of' is to childish and alienating. No one deserves to be alienated and bullied...not even you!

Answer 11

The first time it was a shared laugh. The second time it was rude, that was too much.