Is it appropriate to swear at work?
Swear words have traditionally been perceived as a forbidden behavior in the workplace. However, as methods of communication change and societies' tolerance for stronger language increases, how profanity is perceived in the workplace may be evolving as well.
Today's workplaces often tread carefully when it comes to swearing. Some organizations may be more inclined to accept mild expletives, while others frown upon any type of swearing. In some instances, swearing may come down to situational circumstances.
Possible circumstances where swearing is appropriate
President Obama's use of a mild expletive during an interview with Matt Lauer on the Today show in June of 2010 during a discussion about the massive BP oil spill was seen as controversial. Harvard Business Review Senior Editor Dan McGinn recently commented on this issue and raised the point that swearing may serve a purpose in the workplace. CIO.com's Meridith Levinson states: "McGinn maintains that even though it was a controversial comment, President Obama deliberately and strategically used 'a mild expletive' as a rhetorical tool: to show his anger and 'to try to better connect with voters' emotions at a time when he was being criticized for reacting to the crisis too tepidly."
In some cases, swearing may be viewed as acceptable if the surrounding comments are constructive and move a situation forward, address a specific point to get results or garner necessary attention. McGinn also contends that social swearing can "serve to manifest and signal solidarity," connect with others, release tension or build morale. Some believe swearing serves a purpose in the workplace and does not create an antagonizing work atmosphere, although many still disagree.
Reasons swearing is unsuitable
Conventionally swearing is considered to be unprofessional in the work environment. Goldman Sachs' recent ban of swear words in e-mail is an example of how stringent some companies are willing to become in order to keep any kind of swearing out of the organization.
Many companies also either outright ban or strongly discourage swearing because of legal repercussions. Depending on the nature of the language or if the words contain connotations sexual in nature, this could potentially put an organization at risk for lawsuits. Many companies are likely exerting caution to avoid any legal entanglements. In this case, it is understandable why some organizations may eliminate swear words in the workplace.
While President Obama's mild expletive use perhaps got his message across in a volatile situation, in everyday situations, there are other colorful and/or other strong descriptive words that can be used to emphasize and be used in lieu of swearing. Ultimately, swearing reflects on the outside perception of the organization and may be seen as unprofessional or sloppy.
Public perception
Public perception or risk of offending others is another important consideration. Company policies should consider whether swearing, if openly embraced, would reflect negatively upon the organization. This is especially true in commercial businesses since what the public thinks can directly impact profitability; most leaders of commercial businesses are not likely to engage in open profanity at work.
If the choice of curse words is deliberate and strategically delivered, this may be more acceptable than an inappropriate slip. Allowing employees to freely use swear words could ultimately result in the latter occurring more frequently, which could lead to complicated problems or a tarnished reputation. However, if swearing is generally looked down upon and only used as a tool in rare instances, this may be viewed more positively in the public's eye.
Traditionally swearing in the workplace has been viewed as unacceptable, except perhaps in private or hushed conversations. While profanity may be evolving to become more acceptable in the movies, on the Internet and on television, the workplace is one place where it may or may not be welcomed. However, with President Obama's use of swearing on public television, this could be a signal that times are changing. If the president perceives swearing as acceptable to make a point and does get his message across, this could transform how profanity is used publicly.
Ultimately whether or not to swear should come down to good judgment. In most instances, swearing is probably not appropriate in the workplace but may be excusable under certain circumstances.
