What to do about swearing coworkers?

[whatevergirl]

I have a few coworkers (men) who feel the need to drop the ‘F’ bomb every so often in conversation, or say ‘Jesus Christ,’ a lot when angry. (not at me, but in meetings, and so forth) I work with a lot of professional people, in a conservative setting, so it’s usually clamped down, but there are some men who feel it’s ‘ok’ to just swear up a storm. I didn’t speak up today about it, and I wish I did…but, what would you do in that given situation? I don’t swear at work (or really in general–anymore), and I just think people should refrain from it.

Any ideas?

 

[ukdal1]

Hey whatevergirl, I work in sheetmetal so you can imagine what I have to hear every day!! It’s pretty rough sometimes. But I remember not long ago I was one of those guys doing the same things you’re talking about and even worse:blush: (I was Confirmed a month ago ) , but those days are behind me now. All I do is ignore it and go on. I try to live how I’m supposed to, and pray for everybody. They know I’m a Christian and that I’m trying to do what’s right so if they say that stuff I just ignore it…Hope that helps God bless

 

[whatevergirl]

Hey whatevergirl, I work in sheetmetal so you can imagine what I have to hear every day!! It’s pretty rough sometimes. But I remember not long ago I was one of those guys doing the same things you’re talking about (and even worse:blush, but those days are behind me now. All I do is ignore it and go on. I try to live how I’m supposed to, and pray for everybody. They know I’m a Christian and that I’m trying to do what’s right so if they say that stuff I just ignore it…Hope that helps God bless

Hi ukda;

I try to ignore it, but it’s like…come on, must you say this?

I have another coworker who is appalled by it, he is one of the regional managers, and he is a very devoted Christian…he was telling me a story about how he was at a convention recently, and the guy (one of our coworkers) was asked to speak, and the guy gave an awesome presentation, until at the end …he blurted out G-D! (swear word) This man who was telling me the story, called him up later in the week, when they returned to their respective offices, and told him that was completely out of line. I thought it was admirable…and gutsy. I am more like you…where I’m just ignoring it …but, I will go silent when someone says it…and they see my face…probably speaks a thousand words.

 

[m134e5]

I swear a lot, myself, so I can’t really say much about what others around me say. It’s a bad habit, and one that gets me in trouble sometimes. I get after people for using God’s name irreverently, and I’ll tell people to watch it (and I do so myself) around kids and nuns.

 

[SeekerJen]

I’m the only female in my lab, and my advisor and a couple of the other guys do swear on occasion (I have been known to utter the S-word myself at moderately loud volume when I’ve just done something really idiotic). Usually my advisor will excuse himself if he swears when I’m around, at which point I’ll make a crack about installing a lab swear jar if he can’t clean up his language, we’ll both have a laugh, and life goes on. Occasional swearing really doesn’t bother me. What does bother me is when I encounter people who apparently cannot utter a sentence without using the F-bomb in it, either as noun, verb, adjective, adverb, or random ejaculation. I always want to hand those people an Oxford dictionary and a bottle of mouthwash.

 

[RomanCrusader]

As irritating as it is (and trust me, I understand it is irritating! ), it is one of those things you must ignore. Some people are compulsive swearers, and its unlikely that they will change in a short period of time.

 

[crenfro]

I have a few coworkers (men) who feel the need to drop the ‘F’ bomb every so often in conversation…
Any ideas?

Yes. Contact Human Resources and file a sexual harassment complaint. I believe use of the “f” word might fall under that category.

 

[Fitswimmer]

Yes. Contact Human Resources and file a sexual harassment complaint. I believe use of the “f” word might fall under that category.

I had a co-worker that spent most of his day saying Jesus’ name-but it was NOT in prayer. I spoke to my direct superior about it, saying that not only was it offensive, but that it was unprofessional and made our team look bad. He then spoke to the employee and pointed out the HR rules about workplace language. It took a bit for him to change his ways, but he got quieter at least!

 

[puzzleannie]

this is the tactic I used when I was among the first women in a factory full of men, used to their uh, language. “I find this speech offensive and I would greatly appreciate it if you would not [blaspheme, use profanity, gossip etc.] in my hearing.” some laughed, some jeered, some apologized, but most cleaned up their act. if I was in this situation today I would also point out that speech that borders on sexual harrassment could cost someone their job.

 

[kage_ar]

Agree with he above, any HR department will frown on such language as creating a hostile work enviroment.

Before you go that far a simple “please clean it up” has worked for me in the office.

 

[whatevergirl]

Agree with he above, any HR department will frown on such language as creating a hostile work enviroment.

Before you go that far a simple “please clean it up” has worked for me in the office.

I thank you all for your advice…My frowns and silence when it’s said, usually stops the person from doing it, but there are those again, who work out of different offices (and I’m on conference calls, etc) where it’s just used like everyday language. (the ‘f’ bomb)

 

[ChangingHeart]

The F word is NOT sexual harassment, (unless directed at you in context) and to attempt to press sexual harassment charges against someone over that would be an even worse witness for our faith than using the word, ourselves, would be, at least in my opinion.

Now, if you are dealing with Catholics or Protestants who claim to desire obedience to God, you can hit them with Colossians 3:8. Don’t do that, however, when dealing with “casual” Christians, nonbelievers, or even while in the presence of “casual” Christians or nonbelievers, as such would be a poor witness to the faith.

If addressing someone, do it in private, as not to embarass or make an incident where the person needs to save face in front of a crowd. Ask kindly, humbly, and respectfully for that person please to not use that language in your presence. Most people will comply if you ask that way, even though they may accidentally slip up, if it is a regular habit for them to use profanity.

I tend to pray to God to forgive them, when I hear people use inappropriate language. It’s not my place, however, to try to police people’s mouths. I need to set the example, myself. I’ve actually had people apologize to me for using profanity in my presence, without me saying a word in complaint to them. I feel that we need to look at it as a challenge to present ourselves in such an innocent, pure, wholesome, yet NOT JUDGEMENTAL manner, that people will want to act in the most Godly way possible around us. The best witness to Christ that we can give in our lives usually doesn’t require words, in my opinion.

 

[Cathryn]

Recently a priest gave a mission at our parish. He talked about using the name of Jesus in vain. He suggested when someone uses this form of profanity with the Lord’s name, turn their profanity into a prayer.
When they say "Jesus Christ", you with reverence say aloud, "Is Lord". Don't say it confrontationally, just reverently. He said he learned it from his seminary days when they would play basketball with local young men. He says they got the message and stopped using the profanity.

 

[whatevergirl]

Recently a priest gave a mission at our parish. He talked about using the name of Jesus in vain. He suggested when someone uses this form of profanity with the Lord’s name, turn their profanity into a prayer.

When they say "Jesus Christ", you with reverence say aloud,  "Is Lord".   Don't say it confrontationally, just reverently.     He said he learned it from his seminary days when they would play basketball with local young men.    He says they got the message and stopped using the profanity.

That’s great! I need to remember that!!!

One of my coworkers the other day wrote something in an email…and at the end stated…‘sometimes, there is a God.’ And I wrote back (replying to all)…‘There always is a God.’ There were no replies back.