An organization is like a family where different types of people try to work together towards a common goal. A key factor on which success depends is the kind of communication between employees. The right way of communication is to get the message across properly and ensure everyone understands it. However, there are often times when employees use profanity to express themselves. A common perception is that it can damage effective communication. Swearing is not considered professional and can harm the reputation of employees as well as overall company performance. So some might prefer to look at some potential phrases that can take the place of casual statements containing cuss words.
Words to Avoid at Workplace And Thier Replacements
Today many would agree that profanity is a regular part of their conservation, whether at work, at home, or with friends. A 2016 survey by Wrike found that 57% of Americans swear at their workplace. That figure is likely to have increased by now, considering the impacts of global conflicts and especially the COVID-19 pandemic. Relevant to this situation, a list has been circling on the internet suggesting replacing some foul language with a formal conversation at workplaces. Apparently, it seems like a memo from the US Department of Air Force to its employees, but it is unclear if it’s actually official or just a joke.
It Can Work Without Swearing
The above list suggests that if employees rely too much on cursing, the organization can calmly but firmly advise them to convey messages differently. Swear words can hurt co-workers who might be sensitive to this kind of behaviour. They might take offence which could lead to a communication breakdown. Some can even be demotivated to work after being addressed with inappropriate language. The substitute phrases suggested in the list can maintain a professional work environment and play a major part in getting the tasks done more efficiently.
Alternative View
On the other hand, some studies show swearing can have some hidden benefits. Several researchers concluded that it could increase the effectiveness of an argument. BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) also quoted numerous studies in 2016 about how different employees’ careers have benefited from cursing. In fact, it has become a culture of almost every workplace, from industry to politics. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey used it to reach heights of fame, and even Barrack Obama famously said he was looking for “whose ass to kick” after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in 2010.
Those who use profanity may not find much respect, but they are regarded as more honest and trustworthy than those who try to avoid cursing in order to portray a specific image. However, only a few curse words can come into the “tolerable” category. Words like “sh*t” and “f*ck” are inappropriate but less harmful. Other foul words, which are gender-specific, like “b*tch, c*nt, and wh*re, are strictly not recommended by any researcher. Moreover, some courts consider them sexual harassment.
