Is it acceptable to address someone as "slacker" in the workplace?

Superfuse

Is it acceptable to address someone as "slacker" in the workplace?

Brie

No

There's all sorts of ways to talk about someone's lack of motivation without resorting to being rude.  Doesn't matter if it's to their face or behind their back.

elsien

Who is saying it? From a manager, no. Being used between colleagues to have  a go at someone, masquerading as “banter?” No.
Between two close friends whose relationship is founded on taking the proverbial out of each other, and both of them find it funny? Yes. 

Wyndham

elsien said:

Who is saying it? From a manager, no. Being used between colleagues to have  a go at someone, masquerading as “banter?” No.
Between two close friends whose relationship is founded on taking the proverbial out of each other, and both of them find it funny? Yes. 

This. We need more information in order to answer the question.

elsien

So being said as a joke, not to address performance issues or to pull someone up about something?  

Or basically  telling you that you should be in your office, not in the corridor?

robatwork

Sounds like your team leader doesn't have the "appropriateness" chip installed. In this case it isn't acceptable, even more so that it's said without a smile. As your colleague got it too it's probably your TL's inept way of trying to ensure you stay focussed. 

Tell them straight that you'd like them to stop using that particular term. If they don't then it's time to escalate.

Exodi

Depends on the situation

It obviously depends on the situation - I'm amazed so many sensitive suzies have clicked no.

Spend a day in environment dominated by young lads -  "Alright steve you useless ****, how was football last night?".

Me thinks Steve the groundworker doesn't bust out a box of Kleenex and the manager doesn't immediately run over with a disciplinary in one hand, on the phone to HR with the other.

elsien said:

Who is saying it? From a manager, no. Being used between colleagues to have  a go at someone, masquerading as “banter?” No.
Between two close friends whose relationship is founded on taking the proverbial out of each other, and both of them find it funny? Yes. 

Yep

maisie_cat

No

I clicked "no", not because I'm a sensitive Suzie, but because I have worked with people who get offended at the slightest thing, sometimes to avoid work. 

sevenhills

Superfuse said:

I think you've probably hit the nail on the head. It's an insulting term. If productivity is an issue, there are better ways to address it.

But is it true? If the boss is just trying to hurry people along, it's not a swear word.

Brie

No

Superfuse said:

I was addressed as slacker whenever seeing my boss outside of the office. I don't think I'm a slacker. Happy to test this! 🤣. Code of conduct; don't swear. It's a interesting approach.

I'd be tempted to respond in kind calling him a made up derogatory term of your choice.  I like the work "twonk".  But if I decide to not be polite I might use something stronger but I know that would not be very helpful to me or my colleagues as I suspec the manager would pull me up on it not realising that he was being a twonk.

prowla

It's probably not symptomatic of a motivational management style.