Traditionally, swearing has been associated with male-dominated industries such as construction and warehousing as well as highly pressurised environments. However, whilst the construction industry is trying to stamp out such behaviour in an effort to create a better image of the industry as many of its employees work in the vicinity of the public, there is a perception that it is becoming commonplace in other types of workplace. Where as once our language used to be formal, now it is becoming very casual, as with other aspects of our lives.
Gordon Ramsay, who regularly appears on TV as a highly visible role model perpetuates the message that swearing in the workplace is ok.He defends this highly directive management style by professing it is needed to get the best out of his staff.As a highly successful businessman, a view can be taken that it works.However, individuals who have been on the receiving end of such a management style may take a different view.
Notably there is the high profile case, which reached the law courts in 2003 with Horkulak v Cantor Fitzgerald where Horkulak was awarded £1m damages after suffering verbal abuse from the Chief Executive.
Likewise being subject to bad language from colleagues can have an adverse affect on some individuals as demonstrated by the Green v Deutsche Bank case.Green suffered several mental breakdowns due the treatment she received from colleagues which included verbal assaults and was awarded £800,000 to compensate for the past and future damage to her career as a company secretary.
This case demonstrates the mental and physical trauma the use of bad language in the workplace can cause.Although an extreme case, employees should be empowered to have the ability to say stop and to have managers and colleagues listen to them.
