Most of us thought that drama ended the day we graduated high school, but we all found out that wasn't entirely true. Drama has the potential to carry into college, and even worse, it can follow you after you graduate college and start your career. Avoiding drama in the workplace might not be an easy task, but we'll show you why it's completely worth it.
1. You'll be a better team player
A big skill that employers look for is the ability for employees to be team players and work well within a group. The last thing you want to do is have coworkers associate you with drama while you're at work.
"If you ever have to work on a project with your coworkers, it's best to not be caught in any petty drama that will hinder the process," says Kaitlin Manion, a graduate student at Temple University. "If you're not on anyone's 'side,' it'll make you look like a better leader."
Not only will staying neutral in the workplace make you look trustworthy, but you'll be able to better focus on your work and developing positive relationships with your coworkers and your boss.
2. You'll avoid having a bad reputation at work
The last thing you want to be known for at work is starting drama or being at the center of workplace incidents. Avoiding drama at work is an integral part of making sure that you're representing yourself in the best light while you're at your 9-to-5.
You don't want to have a bad reputation and you definitely don't want your coworkers to feel like you're distracted by petty arguments when you're at work.
3. You'll be more focused on work
If you want a successful career in which you'll move up the ladder quickly, then drama should have no place in your day-to-day agenda. The more you stay away from it, the better employee you'll be and the better you'll do your job. Since you're not worrying about office chatter and gossip from your coworkers, you'll have more time to focus on your work and get things done during the day.
Related: 4 Times You Shouldn't Apologize at Work
4. You'll be less stressed
If you've ever found yourself in a drama-filled situation, then you know just how much it can take out of you mentally and emotionally. You may find yourself thinking about how you should handle the situation and why there is even drama in the first place. Being involved in drama can be an all-encompassing (and uncomfortable!) feeling. Imagine feeling that way at work and potentially bringing that drama home to think about. Not a good combination, especially if you're coming home from a long day in the office and you're trying to relax.
5. You'll better your chances for a positive recommendation
If you're thinking about leaving your current job for a better opportunity, and you need recommendations from former co-workers and supervisors, the fact that you haven't been involved in anything negative while in the office is only going to benefit you. Whoever is writing the recommendation for you will only remember the good things and portray you in a positive light rather than think about that time you were involved in a workplace altercation. You never want workplace drama to overshadow all of your hard work and effort.
6. You may be considered for a raise or promotion
One of the benefits of not involving yourself in workplace drama is the simple fact that you may be putting yourself in a better position to receive a raise or promotion. Employers want to keep people who are able to do their work well and who are equally able to get along with their coworkers and anyone else they may come into contact with.
"When it comes to making promotion decisions, current performance and competency level are not the only factors that are taken into consideration," says Salvatore Fusari, a human resources manager at a pharmaceutical company. "Companies will look to reward employees whose behaviors are in line with company values."
Leave the drama to the high school kids and do your best to remove yourself from any workplace situation in which drama may arise. It's not worth the stress to be involved in drama while you're working your way towards a successful career.