It helps to first look at the potential claims that might arise where an employee is exposed to offensive language in the workplace. Vanessa James is head of employment, SA Law. What is or is not offensive language can often depend on the sensitivity of the listener, and although there are groups of words and phrases which will always be offensive, there is a debate to be had over words or phrases that may not be overtly offensive to some. For a start, staff are protected from harassment and less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, religious belief and age. Foul language does not belong in the workplace. Swearing reflects a lack of respect for … Excessive criticisms. For example, two managers (one male, one female) may have a work-based friendship where they often joke and tease each other. What actually constitutes offensive language may in some circumstances be a point of debate, so the employer must have in place the appropriate processes and procedures to address this issue. It has the power to not only reduce the stress of an employee, but it can create a positive work environment that benefits the company in many ways. Try to disengage as quickly and quietly as possible if you find yourself in a confrontational situation with your employer during a discussion. Dear Joan: I am interested in your opinion about something that I have been experiencing lately in the workplace. Email Newsletters The workplace is supposed to be an ideal environment that needs to be maintained and molded by employee professionalism and company policies. A positive working environment promotes efficiency, productivity, performance, teamwork and camaraderie. This means that the protection from bullying and harassment policy and the grievance procedure need to have some provision for those who wish to bring such issues to the employer’s attention. HR Consultant Many people feel disgust for the group that indulges in bad language. Respect is an essential element in establishing strong and long lasting relationship in the workplace. HR (General) Employers are responsible for providing a safe and appropriate working environment, which includes taking active steps to minimise the risk of offensive language being used in the workplace. The employer demonstrated that the claimant had frequently used banter of a racist and sexist nature themselves, referring to colleagues as “white bitches”. Advertising specifications Organisational Development You never know who … Employment Law And the alleged camaraderie offensive language creates comes at a cost. In the unprofessional behavior of profanity, employees swear at other employees or use bad words. This is no straightforward task when it is impossible to foresee which words might cause offence. Take action to minimise the risk of offensive language being used through structured equality and diversity training for all employees. At a restaurant, cursing in the kitchen may be a regular occurrence, but the same cursing may be considered unprofessional in front of patrons. Terms and conditions, • Employee Benefits Protect employees who complain of offensive language relating to discrimination from victimisation, even if the complaint is not upheld. Most individuals probably look forward in working in an environment that is composed of professional and competitive staff. Even though the Commission recognized that swearing is part of this work culture, they deemed Mr Horner’s foul language as abusive towards his … 3. Employee Benefits Connect Also as the employer you are entitled to set a standard of acceptable language for your own workplace. Learning & Development OH&W subscriptions Missed deadlines are sometimes due to poor preparation and poor estimation of time. That individual also has the right to bring this to their employer’s attention, and if they are then subjected to detrimental treatment (either by the employer directly or by other employees), they can complain to an employment tribunal that they have been subjected to victimisation. In fact, a recent study showed that incivility in the workplace can cost business owners up to $14,000 a year per employee. ... Coworker uses unprofessional language when addressing me [closed] Ask Question Asked 3 years, 10 months ago. Being Disrespectful. This is another unprofessional conduct commonly observed in workplaces. Recruitment & Resourcing There has been a series of legal cases where the employer has argued that offensive banter was a common and accepted part of the working environment relevant to that industry. 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