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One of my coworkers uses a lot of profanity and while she doesn't use it with clients, almost every other word out of her mouth with us is four letters. She doesn't necessarily curse at us to humiliate people...it's more of her just cursing out loud. Everyone else just puts up with it, but it's really irritating and distracting to me. Is there anything I can do? What should I say to our boss? Are there any legal issues associated with this that I can mention?

2007-10-03 14:25:26 · 13 answers · asked by Jackie 1 in Society & Culture Etiquette

13 answers

It is the bosses/supervisor/manager's job to handle that situation. So mention it to them. Make it clear to the boss that your complaint is anonymous, when they talk to your co-worker, that way your co-worker doesn't know it's you and they can't retaliate on someone that they didn't know complained about them.
If you need help wording your complaint to your boss you can say "Hi Mr. Sullivan. I think we have a problem with one of your employees. Don't get me wrong Emily is a good employee and I enjoy being around her BUT It seems like when Emily speaks, she often uses profane language in the office. Her behavior is disturbing to all of us in the office and it doesn't help us to be productive around here. I was wondering if you can speak to her directly and make my complaint anonymous. Thank you."

Hope this helps!

2007-10-03 16:25:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Threatening you is a different matter, but what to do about profanity? Deal with it and ignore it like any other normal adult, it is after all only words. On the other hand, don't accept being threatened. If you have taken it to your boss and they've done nothing, then write them an official letter of complaint about her, saying that if they don't do something about her behaviour then you refuse to be held responsible for any actions that you might take to ensure that she doesn't threaten you again, then you can say whatever you like back to her without worrying, because legally they wouldn't have a leg to stand on if they allowed bullying in the work place and did nothing about it, they wouldn't be able to fire you. Stand up for yourself and don't be walked upon.

2016-05-20 04:04:28 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0 0

The best way to handle it is to just come out and tell her,that her language is offensive to you,and you are asking her to stop speaking like that while at work. If you feel the need to take this issue to your boss you will but you prefer she take your advice. That is the first step....if she continues you can go to the boss. You may gain a friend at the office if you handle it this way first,or at least keep from making her your enemy. If the issue is already unbearable and has already gone too far you need to immediately report the problem and occurrences to your superior.That should clear things up unless your boss is a total moron and has no clue as to federal labor laws governing harassment,or hostile work environments.

2007-10-03 14:47:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

No, there's nothing illegal going on here. Just deal with her as another human being...don't go to the boss right away. Tell her that her language makes you uncomfortable and ask if she can tone it down. If she doesn't at that point, then tell the boss how it's making you feel. Although there's nothing illegal here, it's just common courtesy not to curse up a storm at work. Maybe she's just used to talking like that and barely notices. Bring it to her attention, politely, and move up the ladder if that doesn't stop her. Good luck!

2007-10-03 14:34:41 · answer #4 · answered by Eraserhead 6 · 2 0

Yes there is a legal part, but it's freedom of speech. Yes your boss could do something about it too. I would honestly just tell them,"I don't want to be rude or anything, but I don't really like swearing." Just let them know that it bothers you, but you don't want to be rude. Try to tell them nicely. Also use your work area if you can. Like if little kids are around you can use them too. You could talk to your boss also if you would like. Both ways will work. Explain to your boss that you don't like it and every boss should listen to you and talk to the person about. I don't know of one boss that wouldn't. That's some things they get paid for, keeping the work environment a friendly and happy place.

2007-10-03 14:35:59 · answer #5 · answered by Johnny Boy 4 · 0 0

Although swearing at work isn't the most professional thing to do, I think we have all done it at times. I know I slip in random words when talking to other people at work. But I only do it with those who I know don't mind. I would just casually mention to them that it makes you feel uncomfortable, and if they don't stop mention it to your boss.

2007-10-03 14:49:22 · answer #6 · answered by Ambi 4 · 1 0

There isn't much you can do to stop it, but you can be a good example of what a classy person is like and not do any cursing yourself (which is obvious that you don't). Sorry, I know it gets sickening after awhile, doesn't it?

2007-10-03 15:02:43 · answer #7 · answered by zaytox0724 5 · 0 0

Not saying that your co-worker can't or shouldn't change, but the only person you can change is you. You are the one that can be less annoyed and less distracted by it, you can ignore it.

Once again, I'm not saying that she shouldn't change, but that you *can* change your annoyance to it

As you make progress in yourself, you can calmly suggest less profanity from her.

2007-10-03 14:38:42 · answer #8 · answered by Pirate AM™ 7 · 0 0

cursing once in a while is ok, but if every other word outta your mouth is a curse word it loses its purpose(to show anger usually) and just gets annoying

2007-10-03 14:43:02 · answer #9 · answered by Michael S 1 · 0 0

You could mention it to your boss. It's his/her job to deal with employee issues like that.

2007-10-03 14:33:26 · answer #10 · answered by Caitlin 7 · 0 0

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