Swearing in the workplace

[shopowner]

I realise that owing to the passage of time,the original issue has probably been resolved,but I am saddened at the prevalence of the f word in common usage.
Although I am nearer retirement age than school leaving age, I have stood on enough terraces and been in enough dodgy bars to know the amount of swearing which goes on. I still would find it offensive to hear the f word used in mixed company in certain situations, and detest the language used by many young mums when chatting with friends and pushing prams.
I have asked the local police if they can do anything about casual swearing in the street, as many of my customers as well as visiting tourists are commenting on how disgusting it is. Sadly the police say they have been told to ignore it unless used in an aggressive manner against someone.
Having come from a working class background I hate to sound like an old fogey, but surely it isn't acceptable to swear as part of everyday speech ?
The relevance to the op is that I wonder if, due to the attitude of today's constabulary, using the f word can be criticised at all ?

[Dark Phoenyx]

the use of the F word in my opinion should be banned. I work hard daily reminding my girls that its not necessary to swear, and so far the dont seem enticed to at all. my working conditions have improved considerably of late, so my use of lude spanish has been reduced.

my girls have a brilliant way of dealing with it tho. instead of swearing they make up their own words. and these generally make you laugh more than the cuss actually having any negative effect.

[Usualsuspect]

Many of the replies here indicate that very few people can say they never swear. Yet there are two ways of looking at it. One is the act, the other the response. I think there is something good about a greater acceptance of swearing, since it allows for the release of expression without the corresponding taboo nonsense getting in the way.

Obviously ona shop floor its not really acceptable, but the idea that one could claim compensation for hearing the F word fills me with horror. Worse still is the fascistic idea of banning a word. Its only offensive because someone once told you it was offensive.

[Dark Phoenyx]

Exactly. and where it may seem more appropriate to say "oh fiddlestix" some would rather say the F word than have people ridicule them for using a word like that.

[SallyA]

Exactly. and where it may seem more appropriate to say "oh fiddlestix" some would rather say the F word than have people ridicule them for using a word like that.

Meh as far as I am concerned I say whatever comes out - i think people who have a problem with it to that extent are uptight and need to be a bit more expressive to be honest?

[shopowner]

Usualsuspect wrote-
''I think there is something good about a greater acceptance of swearing, since it allows for the release of expression without the corresponding taboo nonsense getting in the way.''

I remember being told many years ago,either by a school teacher or my parents, that people who swear are showing their lack of vocabulary.I think it should be perfectly easy to show your feelings without swearing,but of course in the heat of the moment it isn't always possible.I have noticed that at football matches for example,or in surrounding pubs before and after, those who are using the most f words are usually those with the least intelligence.
Whilst I can understand that banning a word seems extreme,is it desirable to walk down the street and hear young mums with their children frequently using the f word as part of a casual conversation ? Personally I think it is part of the thin end of the wedge as far as standards go--if taken to it's logical conclusion it could lead eventually to public urination being seen as acceptable,or even sexual acts (Or a combination of the two for those who favour certain internet sites !!).

[m8internet]

This is going to get some of you...
Yes, a waste of money I know, but this was performed covertly, plus this has to be performed twice a year as part of the company Risk Assessment

I asked one of my time management team to attend two of our offices and four of our workplaces in the UK
Obviously the word got around they were on the premises, and that may have influenced results
However, what they didn't know was this person was actually monitoring the swearing and abusive language (as well as some other factors that had to be recorded)

The first set of statistics were taken in August 2009
The same premises and workplaces were revisted in February 2010
Obviously, not all the employees and duties were the same, but the sample was large enough to obtain a general overview

The F word (and combinations of) was actually used less often than any other word
The most common was the B word
General verbal abuse (innapropriate and incorrect use of words, such as lazy, stupid, etc) also occured, but was never reported

Shouting and raised voices was actually highlighted as the main issue
I have to agree as this has also resulted in the most reports and complaints

[SallyA]

Where I work I don't think there is all that much swearing going on - yes it happens a few times a day from various people but its not a major problem?

[shopowner]

Interesting results from m8. Different words seem to be more acceptable in different parts of the country,and amongst different groups and generations. I think it goes to show how difficult it is to formulate or enforce many laws at a national level,as there will always be people who think the law is too severe or too soft.

[JZK100K]

Advice needed - a member of staff swore on the shop floor whilst a customer was in the shop. She admitted it to me, and now the customer has phoned up complaining to me, i wasn't in the shop at the time and the word used was the F word, this member of staff has slipped with her attitude and her work lately - what should i do - Acas have said the decision is mine and it would be on a sackable offense!

She's only been with for 10 months.

If you think she is worth keeping as a worker, then take the time to chat with her and find out what is going on. Give a dog the right name!

"Workers name" You have been with us for a while now, and I have been very happy with your dedication and effort attitude you have had with us. But these last few weeks your attitude and work has gone down from your normal standard, are you having any problems at home, is there anything I can help with?"

Well you get the jitz of what I am trying to say, just talk to her, or tell her to F@ck off!!! simples really


Cant wait to get some employees of my own one day

Hopes I handle them this good. (muahaha)