Swearing in the workplace?

Pokemon Postmon · Post by **Pokemon Postmon** » 01 Dec 2011, 23:40

Any info about this subject would be appreciated as it's becoming an issue in our office and I'd like to know what the union stance is about this....
Cheers!
:D

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 02 Dec 2011, 07:21

I would be very surprised if there is anything official about swearing on itself.

However, the context may place it under B&H if by colleagues and managers, and possibly grievance.

However, if you are concerned about the level of swearing you could approach the manager direct and ask him to address it. I personally do not swear in mixed company, including at work, but it does not offend me personally.

Pokemon Postmon · Post by **Pokemon Postmon** » 02 Dec 2011, 13:06

It is another member of staff that is finding the 'banter' offensive, not myself, but I was curious to know where the rest of us stand officially. I don't think it falls under B+H to be honest but thanks anyway, TBT! It's a tricky one as I don't think it's fair for members to be expected to be able to turn it off like a tap and, if any action is taken then it would have to be applied to everyone fairly otherwise we get into discrimination waters.
We shall see how it plays out over the next few days....
:)

daveyeff · Post by **daveyeff** » 02 Dec 2011, 17:36

Pokemon Postmon wrote:It is another member of staff that is finding the 'banter' offensive, not myself, but I was curious to know where the rest of us stand officially. I don't think it falls under B+H to be honest but thanks anyway, TBT! It's a tricky one as I don't think it's fair for members to be expected to be able to turn it off like a tap and, if any action is taken then it would have to be applied to everyone fairly otherwise we get into dicrimination waters.
We shall see how it plays out over the next few days....
:)

industrial banter is a normal thing, to say it should,nt be allowed in a workplace is cutting it fine. fair enough if you are directly using it towards someone in an aggressive or heated manner, then b&h could be followed, but when people are using it in conversation in a matter of fact way, i cant see why people get so upset by it. but mebbe thats just me.,,,in my opinion

Cheetah · Post by **Cheetah** » 02 Dec 2011, 18:38

daveyeff wrote:
Pokemon Postmon wrote:It is another member of staff that is finding the 'banter' offensive, not myself, but I was curious to know where the rest of us stand officially. I don't think it falls under B+H to be honest but thanks anyway, TBT! It's a tricky one as I don't think it's fair for members to be expected to be able to turn it off like a tap and, if any action is taken then it would have to be applied to everyone fairly otherwise we get into dicrimination waters.
We shall see how it plays out over the next few days....
:)
industrial banter is a normal thing, to say it should,nt be allowed in a workplace is cutting it fine. fair enough if you are directly using it towards someone in an aggressive or heated manner, then b&h could be followed, but when people are using it in conversation in a matter of fact way, i cant see why people get so upset by it. but mebbe thats just me.,,,in my opinion

Personally I only ever swear in male company where I'm probably worse than most, but if It offended another male, I would stop in their company, but never in front of women or children...... I know some of the women are as bad as the men, but I don't like people swearing in front of my daughter or wife as neither like it, and working next to you could be someones daughter or wife.
It offends me when I hear some individual using the F word even the C word at the top of their voices across the office, solely because there are many ladies in our office who don't like it and find it upseting. We have even had complaints from the public walking by when the windows are open but it is not addressed by management all they do is bully folk for booking O/T. A little discipline is all that's required, time and place and all that..... Would you F & Jeff in front of your own mother or daughter, however I wouldn't report anyone for doing it, I'd just have a quiet word personally.......

Post by **jockstrapp** » 02 Dec 2011, 18:43

awe tell them to f#ck off and get a life

...................................(sorry only kidding)

brothermagrew · Post by **brothermagrew** » 02 Dec 2011, 18:48

There always appears to be some form of precedent previously set.

The use of foul and abusive language can, in certain circumstances, justify the dismissal of employees for gross misconduct. Furthermore, if foul and abusive language is used by an employer or a senior employee in a supervisory position, then this could expose the employer to claims for constructive dismissal or discrimination.

http://www.lindermyers.co.uk/swearing-i ... e_393.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Post by **halfull** » 02 Dec 2011, 19:21

folks who get offended by swearing need to get laid! they are just words! f**k me

Cheetah · Post by **Cheetah** » 02 Dec 2011, 20:00

halfull wrote:folks who get offended by swearing need to get laid! they are just words! f**k me

Just a lack of respect for others, self discipline, a poor upbringing and education, in my opinion but that's just me

. Just pity anyone around you who has to listen to it........

DirtyHarry · Post by **DirtyHarry** » 02 Dec 2011, 21:53

halfull wrote:folks who get offended by swearing need to get laid! they are just words! f**k me

Language, Timothy.

Seriously though, anyone easily offended by language used since Saxon times, have led very sheltered lives.

Pokemon Postmon · Post by **Pokemon Postmon** » 02 Dec 2011, 22:42

jockstrapp wrote:awe tell them to f#ck off and get a life ...................................(sorry only kidding)

Lol! That's almost word-for-word my wife's advice about it!!!!
Anyway, thanks for the replies so far. Perhaps I should explain the exact situation. Basically, it's a small office (20+ staff), all potty-mouthed males until recently when, due to a harrassment case, we had a woman transferred to us. Everything has been fine for a while (about a year or so now ) but only recently has she really been against this sort of thing which IMO is odd as, when angered or frustrated by something, she has been known to use some expletetives herself, as well as playing music which has some foul language (the uncensored Celio record of late springs to mind!) on our CD player. Personally, I have nothing against her but by her recent reactions I know she is making many people uncomfortable which, in the long run, is not going to do her any favours. Apparently, we are having a Union rep coming to our office soon to give us another talk on Diversity on her request. I would normally welcome this sort of thing if it was concerning bullying/racism/harrassment/etc but I feel, due to the current climate, that it's really going to have an adverse effect on the situation.
I can understand that in certain situations, when used directly and in a threatening manner then this does cross into the B/H bracket but, for me, on their own they are just words...and let's face it, in other situations they can be very funny too!!! Does that make me childish? No more infantile than reacting in such a way to some words, surely?
That said, I only ask advice because I'd rather try and diffuse this situation before it gets out of hand without undermining what the Rep will be telling us in the meeting which, TBH, no-one is looking forward to as we're busy enough as it is without someone coming along to tell us things we already know!!
Cheers again everyone.
If the member of staff I'm referring to is on this forum and sees this, please understand that I'd rather come to some happy medium than it end up in dispute.
:)

Post by **stokes11eg** » 03 Dec 2011, 03:03

Oh dear! Thinking back to the sixties, this debate would never have come up, because nobody swore, in the office at least! It's nice to hear however some of the replies from men on here, about respecting their female mates! Thankyou. As to this lady--if she swears herself, she can hardly complain! As long as her workmates foul language is not directed towards her, or isn't full of sexual innuendo, can she not just turn a deaf ear?
Do not swear myself, as I've never felt the need, but accept that for some folks it's just the way they talk, with no offence meant!

daveyeff · Post by **daveyeff** » 03 Dec 2011, 14:38

some people may have tourettes and cannot help themselves, it is a recognised condition, some people just use it to alleviate stress, and lets face it, the job,s got most of us stressed right now. some just use it in a matter of fact way and dont intend any malice or ill feeling whatsoever(thats me). if you changed ONE single letter of a swear word and called someone a silly bunt, nothing would be said, no one would bat an eyelid. but if you changed the first letter to a ''c'' then some people go on as if they,ve been stabbed up the arse with a breadknife. people do really need to lighten up. its just words.

ROYALMAILCHAT

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