Everyone generally agrees that they prefer to work in a clean
and friendly environment, one free of hostility, but surprisingly,
people can create a hostile work environment without even being aware
of it. A hostile work environment can be defined as conduct that creates
a working environment that is intimidating, hostile or offensive to
another individual and interferes with an employee’s comfort
or ability to work. Examples of a hostile work environment include:
· Sexual pictures, calendars, graffiti
or objects (including Web sites);
· Offensive language, jokes, gestures
or comments;
· Posters or tee shirts with offensive
sayings; and
· Circulating offensive letters, e-mails
or cartoons.
While most people would agree with these examples and would never
dream of conducting themselves in such a manner, you don’t have
to look very hard - or more specifically, listen very hard - to hear
offensive language being flung about as if it were a Saturday night
at a sailor convention. And most of these individuals don’t
give a second thought as to how this profanity may be affecting those
around them.
Profanity: A growing trend
Over the past few years, the use of profanity in the
workplace has increased noticeably. The trend is considered unprofessional
and offensive to many workers. Sometimes it is harmless, but it creates
a negative or hostile environment, can signal sexual harassment and
lead to violence. The excessive use of profanity undermines ones credibility
and often leads to intimidation rather than inspiration.
Obviously, profanity and foul language have become a common part of
communication and is almost an accepted norm.
The idea that we encourage, even demand, more polite communication
in the workplace isn’t hypocritical of “fake,” but
a recognition that there is a time and place for more “civilized
restraint.” After all, people curb their language (and often
their behavior) in church, so why not on the job. Clean, mature and
articulate language should be considered an element of professional
behavior, just as protocol, dress, and every other component of being
a professional.
Why do people swear?
Why do people swear in the work environment? Sometimes it’s
because they have strong opinions or feelings about things, they are
insecure, they desire attention or they may be frustrated or angry.
Excessive cursing can be an expression of poor or negative attitude.
Or people cuss out of habit.
Unfortunately, people also swear in an attempt to intimidate, manipulate
or control others. This type of behavior can lead to more serious
issues like harassment, discrimination or physical confrontations.
Dr Mark Wade is manager of human resources for Evans Properties Inc.
in Vero Beach, Fla. He can be reached at (772) 234-2410, ext 220,
or by e-mail at mwade@evansprop.com.
10 Tips for taming your tongue
1. Recognize that
swearing does damage. Think about those around you and the
affect your actions have on them. Will they think you are crude and
vulgar or intelligent and considerate.
2. Start by eliminating
casual swearing. Act as your mother or daughter were in the
room listening. Use inflection instead of profanity to express your
emotions, and try to be more verbally descriptive as to how you feel.
3. Think positively. A positive mental
attitude eliminates the need to cuss and brightens your personality.
It also helps to build teamwork.
4. Practice being
patient. Frustrations and impatience often lead to fits of
swearing. Stay calm and accept that some things are out of your control.
5. Cope, don’t
cuss. The world is full of imperfection, and ranting won’t
solve anything. Recognize it, deal with it and move on with a cheerful
outlook.
6. Stop complaining.
No one wants to hear it anyway, especially if you have no control
over the issue. If you complain, offer positive solutions to the problem.
7. Use alternative
words. Use the entire english language to express yourself
more fully. Find alternative words that express your emotions, and
demonstrate your intelligence and class at the same time.
8. Make your point
politely. Select your words carefully, especially when angry,
and deal with others in a polite and mature manner. Don’t allow
yourself to be drawn into a verbal confrontation.
9. Think of what you
should have said. If you do blurt out a swear word at an inappropriate
time, think about what you could have said.
10. Work at it.
Swearing, just like any habit, takes time to break. New behaviors
must be learned to replace the old ones. Practice and solicit support
from others.
- From the Cuss Control Academy
