Teamwork and Swearing at Work
Cursing Builds Camaraderie, Reduces Stress
Recent studies have shown that using foul language at work can build team camaraderie and relieve stress. Who knew?
"This isn't an office. It's HELL with fluorescent lighting" – Unknown
"A hard-on doesn't count as personal growth." – Unknown
Some people might hear these statements and become offended; and probably with good reason.
The last couple of decades have been spent trying to eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace, and now it's been determined that swearing at work may actually relieve stress and create an atmosphere more conducive to teamwork.
According to a 2007 study by Norwich’s University of East Anglia (UEA) in the U.K., the use of what's considered “taboo language” actually improved team spirit. While the study discouraged using such language around superiors and customers, the general consensus was that it helped create a sense of “solidarity” among co-workers.
Interestingly enough a study conducted in 2004 by researchers at New Zealand's Victoria University came to the conclusion that venting with co-workers and using “colorful” language was actually a good emotional release and a way to build rapport between team members.
So what’s an employer to do? Here are some guidelines that can help employers establish boundaries for swearing in the workplace.
Recognize it Happens
Swearing is a very real part of our culture. Words that were once considered unacceptable in mixed company – for instance, ass or hell – are regularly heard in conversations on television these days. Sharing information on these two studies might be a good way to broach the subject with the team.
Talk to the Team
Supervisors need to have a conversation with their subordinates to acknowledge the situation while conveying a message of how to behave professionally. It is never okay to curse and swear or use name calling during any heated argument, or to a superior or to a customer. It is important that employees use good judgment.
Train for Appropriate Behavior
Train the team on acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Consider introducing a segment into an appropriate company-wide training program. While it is important to discourage the use of foul language, it is a very real part of everyday life, and by ignoring the issue it could become bigger than it should or result in a lawsuit.
Choose Substitutes
Suggest that the staff utilize alternative words and phrases to substitute for the most offensive words. For instance, Sugar Honey Ice Tea, though long, gets the point across. Or consider ‘frick’ or ‘fudge’ as an alternative. Even counting to ten or walking away from a situation can help.
The whole idea is to limit the use of offensive words, while still providing the team with the sense of freedom to be themselves. Even without swearing teamwork can build camaraderie and reduce stress.
