''Hi Katarina, I recently got told off by my manager for yawning and stretching at work. She said it was demotivating for others, but I am simply too tired and my body naturally reacts to that, so I cannot control it. Is it rude to yawn in the office?''
F. D.
Dear F. D.,
thank you for your question!
Being tired after a night of bad sleep or a busy week is a feeling all of us know very well. The body is a complex organism, so it is natural to not to be ''on the top of the game'' all the time.
However, as much as we cannot control the urge to yawn (or sneeze, or cough), the delivery is what matters here. We can yawn discreetly and quietly without making it too visible to others.
It wouldn’t be objective of me to comment on your job’s policies or your manager’s work, as I am not familiar enough with your workplace. But I do understand that loud or ostentatious yawning could send the signal of boredom and disinterest in the job, rather than just sole tiredness.
As much as it is not against the rules to yawn (as you said, it is your body’s natural response), I would recommend finding a discreet way away from your colleagues’ or your manager’s sight.
Yours sincerely,
Katarina
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