When does Workplace Banter become Unacceptable Behaviour?

An interesting discussion or perhaps more appropriately a debate took place recently.

Those participating were of different age groups, gender and ethnicity.

Some recalled that so called workplace banter was very common, you had to develop a thick skin and learn to give as good as you got.

Others found this to be totally unacceptable and that it should never have been tolerated.

We no longer tolerate words, phrases, or expressions that are deemed to be offensive, disrespectful, discriminatory, or unprofessional.

So how do we comfortably replace that with “banter” that is friendly, light-hearted, humorous, teasing and respectful.

Especially where personal interpretation of what we consider to be “just banter” is no longer a justification.

Agreement couldn’t be reached as to what was allowable and what wasn’t.

As a group they struggled to create clear definitions of workplace banter and inappropriate language. Unable to define where being respectful, light-hearted, friendly and striving to build rapport among colleagues crossed the line into inappropriate or offensive language.

Some suggested that perhaps the pendulum had swung too far.

So what is your opinion?