Everyone has done it. Whether in a fit of rage, while watching a close sports game or experiencing pain, the occasional expletive is part of a standard vocabulary. But what happens when such language is uttered in the workplace? At what point does friendly banter or light-hearted self-criticism become a breach of the public service code of conduct?

The answer is no longer as simple as it might once have been; coarse language has become increasingly commonplace in society. As a fair work commission explained last year, “there is no doubt that workplaces are more robust in 2015, as they relate to the use of swearing, than they were in the 1940s”. Drawing the line between acceptable and unacceptable conduct is increasingly difficult…

(Within the Australian Public Service), the first question is whether the use of a swear word equates to acting without respect and courtesy. Telling a colleague to “f— off” would likely fall foul of the code, but screaming “s—” after stubbing your toe is probably within safe bounds. While this may seem common sense, the middle ground is less clear and much will depend on workplace context. What may be permitted in one department may be considered out of line in another. The Public Service Commission is of the view that “maintaining courteous workplace behaviour is not meant to impose rigid rules on workplace styles, or on workplace relationships and social activities”, and sensitivity to a particular office’s culture is important.

Other relevant factors highlighted by employment tribunals include whether the comments were a regular occurrence or a one-off aberration, whether similar behaviour has been tolerated in the past, and whether the comments could cause any reputational damage (such as if an employee swore at a member of the public). It is also worth recalling that the code of conduct stretches beyond the workplace to actions done “in connection with employment”, so swearing at a colleague during after-work drinks might be just as imprudent as doing so in the office…

The code of conduct rightly promotes respectful and harmonious public service workplaces. But this sound principle should be implemented with humanity, proportionality and common sense… (In a 1937 ruling by the British Privy Council), “Their lordships would be very loath to assent to the view that a single outbreak of bad temper, accompanied, it may be, with regrettable language, is a sufficient ground for dismissal,” Lord Maugham wrote. “In such cases one must apply the standards of men, and not those of angels.”

[Adapted] John Wilson. (28 Jul 2016). Offending angels: on swearing in the workplace. Sydney Morning Herald. Australia.

… As per a recent survey of more than 3,000 hiring managers and 3,800 workers across the US, as many as 51 per cent of the people swear in the office.

The survey also found that 64 per cent of employers said they would think less of an employee who repeatedly uses curse words, while 57 per cent said they would be less likely to promote someone who swears in the office.

At the same time, one in four employers (25 per cent) themselves admitted to swearing at their employees, found the survey conducted by US-based research firm Harris Interactive for human resource solutions provider CareerBuilder…

“Most (81 per cent) believe that the use of curse words brings the employee’s professionalism into question,” CareerBuilder said.

“Others are concerned with the lack of control (71 per cent) and lack of maturity (68 per cent) demonstrated by swearing at work, while 54 per cent said swearing at work makes an employee appear less intelligent,” it added…

Swearing at work may cost employees their promotion: Survey. (29 Jul 2012). The Economic Times. India.

See also:

Choo Yun Ting. (6 Jun 2019). 6 to be charged with using abusive language and criminal force, causing hurt to public servants. Straits Times. Singapore.

Laura Vozella. (15 Dec 2017). It’s a crime in Virginia to swear in public. A lawmaker says that’s #@!#ing nuts. The Washington Post. US.