8 Reasons to Avoid Yelling in the Workplace

Let’s be honest, who hasn’t fantasized about yelling at a boss, a client or a colleague? But is yelling ever appropriate in the workplace? 

Yelling is appropriate if there’s an emergency situation (e.g. fire, earthquake) or if an employee is injured, or if someone has to yell over loud machines/background noise and other similar situations.  And believe it or not, for some companies yelling is an acceptable part of the culture.

Whether intentional or unintentional, people yell for a variety of reasons.  Sometimes they are frustrated, angry, impatient or misunderstood. Other times, they don’t want to get off their chairs and walk across the hall to talk to a colleague when yelling is just simply easier.  No matter the reason or intention, yelling in a work environment should be avoided. Certainly if you are the boss avoid yelling since you are setting the stage for what is acceptable, and people will emulate your behavior.

Why you should avoid yelling in the workplace:

1. It can destroy your reputation.
2. People may lose respect for you.
3. You will alienate others. People will avoid you in order to avoid the yelling.
4. Your yelling will irritate those who are trying to concentrate and prefer a quiet work environment.
5. Your yelling will make others uncomfortable who are not used to such behavior.
6. You will be overlooked for a promotion because you can’t mange your emotions.
7. You may be terminated for inappropriate conduct.
8. It’s just plain unprofessional.

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Links to Good Reads About Consequences of Yelling in the Workplace

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Yelling & Acceptable Workplace Behavior by Ralph Heibutzki,
Ralph Heibutzki, of Demand Media, imparts, “Like any workplace behavior, shouting becomes established through constant repetition. However, a culture of yelling can quickly turn abusive, because workers process information at a shallower level when they're upset.” Read more about consequences of yelling in the workplace ... read more

Is it Over Okay to Yell at Work? by Morag Barrett
To further illustrate the damage of yelling in the workplace, Morag Barrett expresses, “Each interaction presents us with choices as to how we present ourselves and how we react. If we take a moment to make an informed choice and consider the alternatives, I am confident there is a better alternative to yelling. Problems arise when we simply react, rather than respond.”  To gain more great advice, read the full article ... read more

5 Ways to Show Authority Without Yelling by Amy Levin-Epstein
Writer, Editor and Blogger, Amy Levin-Epstein suggests “Just because you have good, even-tempered intentions doesn't mean things won't get heated. But you can recognize a situation and defuse it by taking a step back.” Her powerful suggestions take us to a higher consciousness when it comes to managing workplace anger and consequently yelling ... read more