Fostering a positive work environment and building healthy and productive relationships with your co-workers is essential for employee well-being. However, belittling or toxic language can sour the relationships you have with your colleagues. Here’s four toxic phrases to avoid, according to CNBC Contributors Adaira Landry and Resa E Lewiss.  

“You should keep your salaries private.”  

This phrase implies lack of transparency when it comes to wage gaps between different groups of people. Landry and Lewiss encourage open conversations about salaries instead.  

“We’ve had it worse back in my day.”  

This phrase invalidates the feelings of younger employees, and excuses bad behavior. Instead, it’s possible to acknowledge that things were much worse, while also striving to make things better.  

“I’m feeling sick, but I’ll try to power through the day.” 

Pushing yourself through an illness discourages other employees from taking care of themselves. Taking a sick day shows that you don’t neglect your body and sets an example for other people to prioritize their health.  

“Can you send this tonight?” 

This shows that you don’t respect your co-workers’ boundaries. Even if deadlines are important, nothing is more important than mental well-being. Asking your colleagues to work more hours than they’re getting paid for is a violation of their work-life boundaries. It can wait until the next day. 

Read more about toxic phrases at the workplace on CNBC.  

Youtuber A Life After Layoff lists ten signs of a toxic workplace.

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