A word bubble with a censored expletive.
A censored expletive. Credit: Julie / Flickr Credit: Julie / Flickr

I grew up in a household where swearing was just as regular as breathing. And I don’t mean swearing at my siblings or calling them names was accepted, there was no room for that, what I mean is my parents were okay with articulating a feeling, getting a point across, or telling a joke using a superlative (here and then). Now, I should qualify, I had a balanced influence on this front growing up. My mom is an eloquent communicator who shares stories with grace and without the use of any swear words. My dad on the other hand is the opposite, a skilled communicator in his own right, including being an Economics lecturer back in the day, at home he would throw out Punjabi swear words when having conversations with his friends or telling jokes. He also was masterful in incorporating colourful words when negotiating a real estate deal. So our family’s culture including swearing, big f*cking deal (pun intended).

Language, as a powerful tool of communication, is a cornerstone in shaping workplace culture. Among the myriad aspects of workplace language, I have seen the question of swearing often emerge as a controversial and nuanced topic. In fact, I’ve received feedback from participants in workshops that I’ve facilitated; some saying I shouldn’t use “profanity” while others saying my language makes me authentic. In a study released by CareerBuilder.com, 81 per cent of employers surveyed believe swearing at work”brings an employee’s professionalism into question.” Conversely, other studies have revealed that swearing has health benefits and amongst teams can create more trust.

So in your workplace culture how do words show up? What is tolerated and what is not? I’m not necessarily going to answer the question, “to swear or not swear” and of course I’m not condoning the use of violent, abusive, or discriminatory language in the workplace – there is absolutely no place for that, but I’d love to dive into the how language and words shape our workplace cultures; more specifically examining swearing and inclusivity, folks in positions of power, professionalism, and client relationships under the umbrella of organizational culture.

Inclusivity

Swearing, in its various forms, is often employed as a means of emotional expression or release. In high-stress environments, employees may resort to swearing to convey frustration, urgency, or passion. While such expressions can be genuine and reflective of the challenges individuals face, a fine line exists between occasional, contextually appropriate swearing and habitual, offensive language. Understanding the underlying motivations behind swearing in the workplace is crucial for organizations seeking to balance individual expression with the need for a respectful and inclusive culture.

The acceptability of swearing in the workplace is heavily influenced by cultural norms and organizational values. What may be deemed acceptable in one workplace could be considered offensive in another. Organizations with diverse workforces must be particularly attuned to cultural expectation or boundaries and might consider practicing cultural humility, that is the ongoing process of self-exploration and self-reflection linked with a genuine desire to learn from others. It means creating a work-relationship with the intention of honoring the other person’s beliefs, customs, and values.

Swearing that is commonplace or innocuous in one culture may carry different meanings or be perceived as disrespectful in another. Establishing clear guidelines that consider cultural diversity with a focus on intersectionality helps create a workplace where employees feel included not regardless of their background or identity or personality but because of it.

Folks in positions influence

The behaviour of folks who are in positions of power, often referred to as leaders,  set a precedent for the entire organization, and this holds true for language choices, including swearing. The way these folks communicate, whether through formal presentations or day-to-day interactions, significantly shapes the workplace culture, not to mention our perception of them. What are your thoughts when executives like Yahoo’s former CEO Carol Bartz and T-Mobile’s current CEO John Legere have publicly dropped the f-bomb. Or when former US President Barack Obama famously said he was trying to figure out “whose ass to kick” after the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico? And what about the fact that reacher Brené Brown says on her website, “I do NOT believe that cussing and praying are mutually exclusive.” I believe this makes them more relatable, more real, more human.

So what happens when the folks in positions of power either swear or don’t in our workplaces. My take is that individuals with positions of power who don’t swear might be perceived as more “professional” than those that do and depending on workplace expectations, the non-swearer might be upholding organizational values, such as respect. Conversely, those who swear may be seen as authentic, and if “being real” is an organizational value well then the swearer is also upholding that value. Striking a balance between authenticity and maintaining a respectful tone is essential for folks in positions of power seeking to foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

Impact on “professionalism”

First let’s consider what we mean by “professionalism”. In general, yes, there are certain behavioural expectations in the workplace, including the words we use. I think however, when you start to analyze what is or isn’t considered professional, it varies by sectors,  organizations,  teams, and individuals. The key is to be mindful of how “professionalism” is supposed to show-up in your workplace and how swearing either fits or not fits. And let’s not forget, that in this day and age, with the fabulous diversity that exists, including the intergenearal aspect of our workplaces, just like “shit happens’ , casual swearing at work happens. In fact, in a Huffpost article, research shows that the average person swears around 80 times a day, and the use of swear words is on the rise.

So while occasional, mild swearing might be deemed acceptable in some workplaces, excessive or inappropriate language can have negative impacts including the erosion of belonging and And of course, swearing that targets individuals, is derogatory, or creates a hostile atmosphere can negatively impact teamwork, collaboration, and employee morale, not to mention is simply just wrong and should not be tolerated. Organizations must be vigilant in identifying and addressing instances where swearing crosses the line into unprofessional behavior. Implementing clear policies and fostering open communication channels can help strike the right balance between individual expression and maintaining a workplace that upholds professional standards.

Creating a respectful communication culture

Ultimately, fostering a workplace culture that navigates swearing effectively involves creating a communication culture grounded in honouring diversity of that and diversity of being.

Clear communication policies, training on cultural humility, and open dialogues about language norms can help employees understand the boundaries and expectations. Organizations should encourage employees to express themselves authentically while emphasizing the importance of maintaining an inclusive environment. By actively involving employees in discussions about workplace language, organizations can collaboratively shape a culture that aligns with their values and accommodates diverse perspectives. The goal is to strike a balance that allows for authentic expression while co-creating and upholding the values and standards that contribute to a healthy and thriving organizational environment.

Jodi Rai

Jodi is a People & Culture + HR Consultant, Coach, and Trainer on a mission to create a world where humanity is prioritized in workplaces and their communities. She has reimagined the traditionally...