Q: I recently started a job I love. But I’ve been surprised about the way that employees across the board seem very comfortable using profanity in the normal course of business. The profanity is not used in anger or directed at anyone in particular, but used more as an adjective for everything. I’m no stranger to cussing during off hours, however, I didn’t think foul language was acceptable in the workplace. Is this now common?
A: Let’s say it’s much more common than it was 10 years ago.
As I’m sure you’ve noticed, the overall use of profanity in pop culture has greatly increased, and because the workplace is a mirror of society, it is no surprise we see it there as well.
The acceptability of profanity in the workplace can range widely depending on the type of industry (conservative vs. creative), region on the country (the South vs. the Northeast) or even the average age of the workforce (millennials vs. boomers).
However, the most important factor on whether profanity is acceptable completely depends on the work environment and company culture.
There are workplaces where it’s acceptable to toss around the “S word” and the “F word”, and there are places where the “G-D” word would be frowned upon.
Personally, I can swear like a sailor (in two languages) and understand how using profanity can release tension, or help express emotions and add humor. But, I think it’s completely inappropriate for work, and advise against it. I know many successful workplaces where it’s now acceptable (one where the question “are you offended when an occasional F bomb is dropped at work?” is asked during interviews), but I find it problematic for two reasons.
First, I’m a big believer in treating people with respect and civility, and I find that when profanity becomes commonplace, it debases and erodes our communication and interactions, even if we don’t notice it. Secondly, there are many people who are uncomfortable hearing profanity at work, and as employees, they could perceive this as a hostile and threatening environment. As an HR professional, that’s a big risk I would much rather avoid.
Readers, what do you think?
