Of course it shouldn’t matter whether men or women use foul language, but it’s interesting how often I get asked about women using foul language. Often, when women use foul language, people seem to notice it more, but that shouldn’t be the issue. If you don’t want foul language, be fair and equal about it.
TRY THIS:
If one or more persons are concerned about women swearing too much at work, ask them first if they think swearing is a problem generally or just when women are the ones doing the swearing. Perhaps this is a good time to recognize that swearing, regardless of gender, has gone too far at work and it’s a good time to set boundaries. BUT, it’s got to be swearing as a whole you’re trying to stop, not just the women. Have a discussion about words people think go too far. Again, if some employees think only certain words the women use are out of bounds, but the foul language coming from the men is fine, you have to intervene.
HOW ABOUT:
“Someone has mentioned that there’s too much swearing at work. I agree and I’ve let myself get sucked into the foul language as well. So let’s discuss what words are out of bounds at work, what words might be on the fence, and what words we ALL don’t have difficulty with. But I have to let you know that I may have to veto certain words if I feel there’s a consensus to allow something that goes too far.”
Stephen Hammond, B.A., J.D., CSP
If you have any questions, please contact Stephen
