Ever had such a bad day at the office that you’ve wanted to just let rip and tell everyone how you feel?

Ever had such a bad day at the office that you’ve wanted to just let rip and tell everyone how you feel? When the only thing that could make you feel better would be a stream of obscenities? When you want to kick the malfunctioning copier and let out a few choice expletives?

You’re not alone.

Research has found that swearing can be cathartic and even reduce physical pain - to a degree. The more you swear, the less effective profanity becomes as a coping mechanism.  So a bit of foul language can be an effective way to diffuse tension or manage frustration.  

Wrike's 2016 Work Management Survey asked 1,542 workers questions about their experience of language and informality in the workplace.

They found that the majority of professionals actually do swear in the workplace (57%). Although many working professionals also feel that swearing is too casual and unprofessional (41%).

Here are the key findings from their survey:

·         49% say they occasionally swear in the workplace, while 25% say they swear daily

·         More women (60%) admitted to swearing than men (55%), however men who do swear in the office do it at a higher frequency than women

·         94% say they swear more in face-to-face conversations vs. email or online communication

·         66% say they are more likely to swear if their boss swears, while 25% report "it doesn't matter"

·         33% would not consider accepting a position in an organization in which swearing is strictly banned

·         The study also found that 66% of millennials (aged 18-29) openly swear at work, compared to only 54% of their baby boomer and gen X colleagues (aged 30 and over).

These stats didn’t favour an Enviroserve Waste Management employee, who was dismissed for swearing at her boss in 2013. After a dispute between the CCMA and the Labour Court, Judge Tlhotlhalemaje found that the company was right to dismiss her for the “insulting‚ demeaning‚ disrespectful and uncouth” language she used speaking to her superior. The employee was, by her own admission‚ predisposed to using foul language at work.

South Africa’s Constitution protects every employee’s right to be treated with dignity and respect in the workplace, and so employees do not have to tolerate harassment by employers.

The CCMA defines "Harassment" as:

·         Bullying

·         spreading malicious rumours, or insulting someone, particularly on gender, race or disability grounds;

·         ridiculing or degrading someone, picking on them or setting them up to fail;

·         exclusion or victimisation;

·         unfair treatment, for example, based on race, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, disability, religion, HIV status, etc;

·         overbearing supervision or other misuses of power or position;

·         unwelcome sexual advances;

·         making threats/comments about job security without foundation;

·         deliberately undermining a competent worker by overloading and constant criticism;

·         preventing individuals progressing by intentionally blocking promotion or training opportunities.

While swearing isn’t directly mentioned, many of these harassing behaviours will include swearing.

In short, while about half of employees admit to swearing at work, it’s not really acceptable and could land you in hot water. You’ll have to keep your thoughts to yourself, at least until you’re alone in your car or in the safety of your own home…