Today’s reader question deals with a very personal subject – profanity, foul language, cursing, swearing…whatever you choose to call it.
I’m new to a company (less than 90 days). My boss and the other supervisors use foul, unprofessional language that would put a sailor to shame. I’ve asked them not to do so in my presence, but it fell on deaf ears. They say “I take things too seriously.” However, I’m offended when they tell me to “just f—ing do it!”
My boss loves the progress that I’m making. What was once a MESS is starting to become manageable and organized. In fact, I’ve already earned a bonus. I like what I do. The opportunity is awesome. But, the foul language makes me want to walk out. What should I do?
Those who know me know I’m not much for profanity in the workplace. So that does factor into my response. Other people have no qualms dropping the F-bomb. That’s who they are. I’m not judging. Just stating the obvious.
But there is a bigger issue that companies and employees need to address – consistency. You’ll see what I mean in my response to the reader.
What do you think? Is profanity at work okay?
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Harold Ingmire says
Profanity has become so prolific in the workplace that once phrases 20+ years ago were true “fighten’ words” are almost as prevalent as “good morning”, and now individuals ramp up the profane insults to levels that amount to an adult’s “double dog dare you!”
In my opinion, profanity at work should be curtailed, and this does begin at the top. The use of profanity can quickly escalate from crass adjectives to gross personal insults during serious business meetings and debates, taking it from a test of reasoning based on business sense into personal and many times unforgivable feelings. This will erode a teams effectiveness.
CuJo says
I don’t really see an issues unless its derogatory and directed at a particular person or group. We’re all adults. This is nothing we’ve not heard or said before. Too much bitter nanny-ness from some. Always trying to take away whatever they can from others. 10 years in HR before you ask.
Hasan Diwan says
There’s a difference between swear words, like “bloody” or “damnit”, and out and out discriminatory talk, for which examples needn’t be provided. The latter category is very, very cultural. When a boss did use a discriminatory term towards me without realising it, I calmly pointed it out to him after everyone had cleared the room and things were fine. When a colleague put up a political symbol that I found offensive, I told the colleague directly and, though he didn’t remove the symbol completely, he put it away. And he never showed it in my presence again. These waters need to be treaded very, very carefully, though.
Eric Payne says
Sounds like the person is feeling disrespected. Even without the profanity, “just do it!” can come across as imposing. The person may want to reingage the conversation around their feelings. “When you use profanity, I feel disrespected”. If they value their employees, they may alter their language (or at least tone it down). If its ingrained in their culture, then the employee either has to become more tolerant or find another place.
Sharlyn Lauby says
Thanks so much for the comments. I think the real issue here isn’t whether or not someone uses profanity. As several have mentioned, it’s a part of society. I do agree with Hasan’s comment about crossing the line to discrimination.
It’s about being consistent. If a company is prepared to fire an employee for dropping the f-bomb in front of a customer, then how it does that language become acceptable in front of co-workers?
Companies that create standards of performance which include statements of “respect for fellow employees”, “obscene or abusive language”, etc. need to be prepared to live up to the standards they set. Otherwise, don’t have them. And tell candidates during the recruiting process that it’s a part of the culture. That would help avoid the situation presented by our reader.
If the company is being consistent in its approach, then as Eric mentioned, the employee has a decision to make.
Cindy Postanco says
There is a lot of things that done in front of a customer will get you fired, but feel relaxed enough to do with co-workers. Especially if you can call your co-workers friends.
Foul language at work is something that probably existed between two friends who let an f-bomb drop, and people picked it up as being “cool”, and then just spiralled out of control.
Do onto others as you would have them do to you is something that is very fitting for this situation. If you feel feel OK with somebody telling you to “just f-ing do it”, you can say it as well.
It’s totally different though when you have to interact with people from other cultures, where a totally appropriate thing to do, is an insult for them, so it might be time to brush up your intercultural skills.
Harold says
Concerning the profanity and issues regarding policies restricting individuals speech, I would advise you review the fairly recent NLRB rulings that apply to both union and non-union companies, that having policies requiring “respect for coworkers” could actually be turned into an unfair labor practice by restricting an employees Section 8(a)(I) rights. Suggest you run your policies if you have this general restrictive language past a labor attorney. Also, there are cases where the repeated use of the f-bomb has been deemed to create a hostile work environment. While the old comedian George Carlin had a great skit on all the meanings of the use of the f-word, it’s primary meaning hasn’t changed throughout history:) Great blog thanks for your website!
Sharlyn Lauby says
Thanks for the comments. I’m intrigued with where this conversation is going about employees versus customers, hostile work environments and the NLRB. I’ve reached out to one of my labor attorney friends and we’re going to write a follow-up post. Stay tuned!
Brad Farris (@blfarris) says
Beyond the issue of discrimination there is the question of professionalism. Of course people *can* use profanity — but should they?
If we choose not to use profanity with our mother, or with a judge why is that? Because we respect them! Does swearing communicate disrespect?
Some people claim that they use profanity to have a more informal, casual culture. But swearing is one of those things that’s casual for some and offensive for others…
Sharlyn Lauby says
Totally agree Brad. One person might say profanity is “keeping it real” and another will say its offensive. That’s typically why most organizations put some sort of policy in place.
Harold Ingmire says
Thanks for checking into the NLRB rulings. We are facing a very pro-labor/anti-employer Board unfortunately the acting General Counsel will be around for at 2 more years.
As to your Counsel’s comment on how to save your policy, some new board members disagreed with that solution. My opinion is to place your trust in your Anti-harassment and non-discrimination policies to deal with profanities. An investigation will have to determine in what tenor the language was used – if you can find an old comedian George Carlin’s act on the varied uses of the “F****” unfortunately has become today’s reality.
As for professionals using profanity as a normal course of communication, they will quickly find it does not enhance their power or position and overshadows their true abilities.