The use of profanity in everyday conversation has become pervasive, especially with Generation Xers and Millennials, but others, as well. We can all point to well-known politicians and celebrities that all too often use profanity in their daily dialogue. Recently, it’s become a badge of honor for the Hollywood crowd. When profanity is used outside of the workplace, as part of social interaction, as distasteful as it may be, it has no legal significance. It can be a totally different issue when used in the workplace.
Often, when profanity is used in the workplace, managers and supervisors are reluctant to address it for fear that they’ll be seen as prudish or part of the “speech police.” However, employers need to carefully consider their response to profane or obscene language when used by employees.