How to Deal With Sarcasm at Work

Overly sarcastic employees can be viewed as demeaning by co-workers and can quickly diminish the morale of a department or a team. Managers and business owners can't police every conversation, but no one wants to spend their work day running from an unpleasant, sarcastic person. You can combat sarcasm without a confrontation by taking a stand with calm, measured steps. Stop disheartening attempts at humor from poisoning your work space by refusing to participate. Your firm stance may inspire others to do the same.

1. 1.

   Maintain self-control when you witness sarcastic humor at work. Don't add to the problem by returning a remark with an equally inappropriate comment, even if your comment is in defense of another. Try to appear as unaffected by the joke or comment as possible.

2. 2.

   Give the sarcastic commentator an empty look. Don't respond with a laugh, smile or frown. When the employee fails to solicit a response from you, they will leave eventually. If they ask, "Don't you get it?" answer plainly, "Yes, I understood you." If the insensitive comment was sent via email or delivered in a note, don't respond. Another appropriate response is to ask for clarification. Ask questions like, "What does that mean?" or "Are you certain?"

3. 3.

   Deal with ugly comments by saying, "That's not been my experience," or "I don't see it that way." If your attempts to ignore insensitivity continues to go unnoticed, you may have to make your objections more plain. For example, you could say, "I find your comments to be unkind and unwarranted. Please don't tell me any more." Keep your voice calm and quiet when raising objections.