Swearing in the Workplace

[ANON48SK2]

good evening,

ok well as people know I am stuck in an ongoing feud with a colleague over her excessive behaviour which has gone on now for four years and counting. If anyone is interested, they can view other threads I have posted.

Now swearing in the workplace. Is it not unreasonable to not expect coarse language in the workplace ? Do we all go through nursery, high school, college, university and former jobs to spend our working days swearing at any given opportunity ?

Granted if one wants to turn the air blue with a litany of profanities , they can do this in their spare time, their lunch break, down the pub, when they're at home or at a football/rugby match but isn't swearing in the workplace unprofessional ?

Now look, I don't want to come across as excessively pious, self righteous, prudish or taking the moral high ground here, but surely it should be discouraged in the workplace ? I can tolerate the odd curse word but its crossing the line of reasonable adult behaviour when they indulge in it at work. I understand not everyone is the same and you'll come across people from all walks of life at work and can't expect everyone to adopt your mindset, but in my life to date, it was never encouraged, not in educational establishments or previous jobs.

what is the legal position on this ? Is it acceptable if everyone in the company does this ? Is it ok as long as its not been directed at someone and is said in general frustration at the work and not the person ? My boss said when I was in the disciplinary that he swears and I felt like saying ' and that's something to be proud of is it ?' Maybe my ego is getting out of control and I have to know where the line is, but when I used to swear at work at home when my dad was alive, I used to get a smack...so maybe that's why I am labouring on this point....there is no religious connotation here,, just basic human decency at work.

its long been established that people can act like feral animals out there on the street and I am not about to tell a passer by not to swear if he/she swears because they've dropped the bag for example, but that's the real world. Work should be pleasant and not blue,,,,

At the end of the day I am just an employee, a worker, I get paid an average salary. I am not about to tell the owners of the company to implement a no swearing ban company wide. I just thought it should cease out of common decency to people who give up most of their waking time working for you, Monday- Friday 9-5.30 ( with an hour for lunch ) it shouldn't be encouraged... that is all I have to say about that...

 

[simon field]

All I know is that we swear at every available opportunity!

 

[ANON48SK2]

yes its fine if you do it outside of work, down the pub, in the nightclub, at the footie, but in the workplace....i'm not saying there should be no banter or people shouldn't talk to each other but they wouldn't tolerate it in an exam hall so why at work ?

 

[ANON48SK2]

I am against excessive swearing just to be clear that is my point, the occasional turning of the air blue I can handle but not when it is taking to the nth degree.....

 

[Newchodge]

That is a matter entirely for management. There is no law about it. If it makes you feel uncomfortable you should report the fact that it makes you feel uncomfortable to management.

Many people find the ability to swear is a relief from frustration. The context is everything. I swear sometimes when talking to colleagues if I have had a frustrating customer encounter. I would never swear in fromt of a customer. Some swear to themselves, being totally unaware of whether anyone overhears them.

Ignore what others do, don't try to impose your values on others and get on with your job.

 

[Newchodge]

they wouldn't tolerate it in an exam hall so why at work ?

Work isn't an exam hall. You may as well say 'they wouldn't tolerate it in an exam hall so why at a football match'.

 

[Newchodge]

Maybe my ego is getting out of control and I have to know where the line is, but when I used to swear at work at home when my dad was alive, I used to get a smack...so maybe that's why I am labouring on this point....there is no religious connotation here,, just basic human decency at work.

Yes your ego is getting the better of you. These are your values, not those of the people around you. Basic human decency at work includes respecting the values of all. That includes you respecting the values of your colleagues and not trying to impose your values on them.

 

[Mr D]

There are times swearing relieves the tension. There are people who cannot, literally cannot, avoid swearing. Its as ingrained in them as not swearing is in others.
What is acceptable in one workplace is not acceptable in other workplaces. But each workplace is different.
Customer facing roles can have considerably different language limitations than a building site for example. A brickie complaining to their boss and a retail assistant complaining to their boss will use different language for the most part.

Communication appears to be missed. Whether others can or are willing to tone things down a bit is communication between you and them.
Otherwise just try and ignore it.
If you'll pardon the expression - don't sweat the small stuff.

 

[AnEmployee22]

Where I work (in my main job in the office), our MD himself swears quite a lot...but the MD is very intelligent so it's not a reflection on that.

it varies from workplace to workplace I guess, would be the short answer. Quite a few people (women mostly) in my office chunter at emails 'F off' for example- not especially quietly either.

 

[Newchodge]

I apologise if I am getting the wrong end of the stik. But do you find certain behavioirs in women unacceptable, even though they are less unacceptablein men? Because that is how you come across.

 

[AnEmployee22]

No not at all, I am just talking from experience in my office!

I hate whispering full stop and swearing loudly about e-mails, I was merely posting an experience. Swearing is okay in an office IMO, as long as it's not used to bully- it's ok by anyone.

 

[The Byre]

The World seems to be filled with precious pricks!

Swearing at a military level is mandatory at our place - and in two or three languages!

 

[Toby Willows]

Start your own business then you have work place policies exactly to your liking plus you can choose who you work with. Otherwise get on with your job and stop concerning yourself with what everyone else is doing.

 

[ethical PR]

good evening,

ok well as people know I am stuck in an ongoing feud with a colleague over her excessive behaviour which has gone on now for four years and counting. If anyone is interested, they can view other threads I have posted.

...

Four years....dear God.

Why don't you get a job somewhere else.

Feuding for four years plus isn't good for anyone's health.

 

[SteveHa]

Roy Chubby Brown doesn't really have a choice in the matter. He has to swear in his workplace.

 

[The Byre]

I am stuck in an ongoing feud with a colleague over her excessive behaviour which has gone on now for four years and counting.

Grow up!

If anyone is interested,

We're not.

I don't want to come across as excessively pious, self righteous, prudish or taking the moral high ground here,

But you do!

Extreme profanities were good enough for Shakespeare and Goethe and mankind has been using colourful language with great effect ever since we could speak.

 

[Mr D]

Roy Chubby Brown doesn't really have a choice in the matter. He has to swear in his workplace.

And outside that workplace he's quite a different character. His act is not who he is.

 

[Ashley_Price]

It could be a form of harassment.

Here is the Citizen's Advice Bureau article about harassment at work:

Harassment is unwanted or unwelcome behaviour which is meant to or has the effect of either:

• violating your dignity, or
• creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.

It doesn't have to be directed at you - for example, if your colleagues make jokes or comments to each other within your earshot. Bullying can be unlawful harassment under the Equality Act.

Unwanted behaviour could be:

• spoken or written words
• threats or abuse
• offensive emails, tweets or comments on social networking sites
• physical behaviour including physical gestures and facial expressions
• jokes, teasing and pranks.

Harassment is a form of unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act. If you've been unlawfully harassed, you can take action under the Act.

So, there could be a case for harassment.

 

[ANON48SK2]

Ok well some people say they're not interested but take the time to formulate a response...okay...

Like I have mentioned before I can handle the light use of profanities in general chit chat and at work....it's when it's taken to the extreme that it's crossing the line.....i can see by judging by the responses I am coming across as a busybody, a know it all, a show off a person who's ego is out of control..maybe i should come down a peg or two ..no one likes people like this I get it. .

My point is if the swearing goes on to such an extent it affects a co workers ability to do the job..this is where I made a stand. The way desks are laid out at my work we were pretty much in each others personal space.

Real world example.

 

[ANON48SK2]

Last post was not finished so will come back and post later this evening...

 

[DontAsk]

One man's swearing is another man's vernacular.

 

[Eliza2509]

I'm sorry but I have been watching this this thread for over a week now, and I'm left with no alternative but to sign up and comment. Because this is an altered state of reality.

Fact.. to qualify as harassment under the Equality Act, there must first be a discrimination that is based on a protected characteristic. Not liking swearing is not a protected characteristic.

And actually,

ANON48SK2 (otherwise known as the person quoted elsewhere on other threads) sounds like an absolute nightmare person to work with. They lost their temper at someone else, and have utterly refused to let go of the feud they created for the whole of that time. And they now aren't getting it - a final warning is notice to dismiss. They don't need to commit another act of gross misconduct - they just have to turn up for work late one day! Final warning. End of.​

ANON48SK2 - I'm not really convinced you are so foolish to be missing the essential message here. But just in case, I'll unpack it for you. The employer (an entity that is not you) does not agree with you on anything here. So get over it. You need to conduct a four year feud over a big nothing that you have already been told you will be dismissed over if you persist? Have at it. You don't like swearing - and what anyone else thinks is irrelevant - leave.

Seriously, you are acting like a two year old with tantrums. If the culture of the workplace doesn't suit you, then nobody could fault you on that. So leave!! If you won't leave, shut the hell up, or you'll be leaving on the toe end of a boot.

And by the way, based on your version of history here - you are the bully and you are the one discriminating and harassing. Be very careful. That kind of conduct can be hard to recover from; and the employer appears to keep finding you guilty of it!

 

[ANON48SK2]

Just to finish off my previous post

Real world example: the speed limit on UK motorways is 70 m.p.h so people should stick to it. Now in reality some people don't stick to it and may exceed it by say 5 miles. Authorities may take a view on it and let it go. however someone out of control decides to speed at 120 mph. ...then there is a major problem and obvious threat to life...I am not saying I am this person but if someone can't control their swearing and a colleague has been placed with working right next to them then it's going to have an effect. I asked her to stop...she didn't and as a previous post has said it's only when a written complaint is made do people sit up and take notice. I get this was four years ago but if anyone could have been a fly on the wall when her outbursts were going down you would see exactly where I'm coming from.....

For the record yes i am acutely aware of my position. They have made it clear if another repeated incident occurs before the year is out then I'm out the door. It takes two to tango and she is not the angel people are making her out to be.

Plus I don't see why I should leave just to make her life easier and especially when i get on reasonably well with everyone else. my performance reviews are generally ok.

I know the lay of the land...if I was a contractor and this had happened they would kick me out pretty much with immediate effect. It is only because I have a permanent employment contract that they have to, by law, treat this issue through the disciplinary process to prevent a claim for unfair dismissal. It's a case of three strikes and you're out and I've already used up two of them. They want to get rid of me but can't because of employment law.

It's no excuse I know and you could argue it's mitigating circumstances but I hadn't slept well the night before and woke up late. I cycled into work all flustered and crossed the line with her when I couldn't control the adrenalin running through me after working up a sweat getting in. My reaction was also influenced by family stresses as well. As much as it hurts my own ego and pride the final written warning was probably the right decision.

I just don't like the implied suggestion front people that you can pin my predicament entirely on me as she has definetly played her part..intentionally or unintentionally as that may be..

 

[ANON48SK2]

1 further point. .I have been separated from her in the office and will be giving her a wide berth and only interact with her out of absolute necessity as advised in my disciplinary. ..

 

[Mr D]

You leave because you have a problem with the people. Pointless staying and being unhappy when you can leave and be happier.
The fact it makes life easier for someone else or not shouldn't come into it.

 

[Toby Willows]

1 further point. .I have been separated from her in the office and will be giving her a wide berth and only interact with her out of absolute necessity as advised in my disciplinary. ..

Is this an actual work place or primary school?

 

[sirearl]

I am amazed at the lack of common sense shown over this matter.

Swearing can be used to express feelings towards inanimate objects and also self frustration.

Its use against the person is a whole different ball game,a declaration of war which has resulted in many deaths and injuries over the course of history.

 

[ANON48SK2]

Just to be clear I don't have a problem against the people just this particular person I am working with. Aside from this issue I am generally happy at work so why should l leave ?

I got no issue with people swearing in general frustration in or out of work but again when somebody takes it to the nth degree and loses control of themselves ( her not me ) and you have to work in direct vicinity of it...this is where my beef is...other people swear in the office. ..but no one has ever had a meltdown of epic proportions as this co worker has had....

I agree with the previous post. there is a world of difference between swearing in general frustration and being sworn at. Acas have confirmed there is no explicit law against swearing in the workplace so I have to like it or lump it.


I obviously am not going be vindicated here so I will cease posting but at least I have had the debate on the issue
.
Good will to all.

 

[Mr D]

Just to be clear I don't have a problem against the people just this particular person I am working with. Aside from this issue I am generally happy at work so why should l leave ?

Ok, then stay.
And put up with the issue.

Its you who benefits or not.

 

[Newchodge]

Apart from venting your anger at the unfairness of life, what exactly is the point of your posts? What do you want advice about? What do you expect to achieve by these posts?

 

[Eliza2509]

You were expecting to be vindicated by some complete strangers on an anonymous website. In which universe?

You have already said that swearing is not uncommon in the workplace. So why is it different when this one person swears, as opposed to everyone else swearing? That had nothing to do with whether swearing is "right" or "wrong" - but either everyone is right, or everyone is wrong. You are picking on one person.

And then you say this is all her fault because she had a "meltdown" four years ago. You maybe haven't noticed, but the person disciplined for having a meltdown four years ago was you!

To be honest, this appears to be a vindictive campaign of harassment by you, against a person you had a spat with four years ago, and which you should have got over. You can't persuade your employer to side with you, so now you want a bunch of strangers to side with you, because you need somebody to!

I'm sure you don't want to hear this, but this is deeply disturbing behaviour on your part. You've already had a crack at the employer. You'd like a bunch of strangers to back you up. And you've also tried ACAS. It seems that you'll happy go to any lengths to prove you are right over this over person and your employer. This really isn't normal behaviour. When your employer tells you that you are an inch away from being dismissed, you need to listen up.

 

[sirearl]

Apart from venting your anger at the unfairness of life, what exactly is the point of your posts? What do you want advice about? What do you expect to achieve by these posts?

As swearing is probably the most aggressive form of
communication there is.

I suspect peace and quite would be nice for the OP.

 

[George Owen]

The language in an office often depends on the enviornment/industry and whether the workplace is in direct contact with customers. Also, your management usually set the tone for language.

 

[Simon-M]

FFS get over yourself

 

[Bob Morgan]

What shallow lives some people lead.

 

[STDFR33]

You don't get on with your colleagues, that's life. They probably think you're a bit of a w**ker too.

You are paid to do a job. Do it to the best of your ability, and remain professional.

 

[Tigris]

it varies from workplace to workplace I guess, would be the short answer. Quite a few people (women mostly) in my office chunter at emails 'F off' for example- not especially quietly either.

I thought we must all do at some point?