By Alina Dizik,
If you're cursing at work, be careful. While it's commonplace
to curse once in a while and may even help you build a bond with
co-workers, there's a fine line to when and how you curse. "We are being
judged constantly by our co-workers for how we do our work and how we
interact with them," says etiquette expert Cynthia Lett. "Cursing is an
aggressive and hostile way of expressing oneself."
Companies
where employees are constantly in front of customers are especially
harsh when it comes to foul language -- employees caught cursing can be
in trouble. Not sure where you stand when it comes to cursing?
Here's
how foul language at work can impact your career.
Reveal an unprofessional attitude
In
some professions cursing is accepted and can even help you fit in to an
environment, perhaps in high-pressure jobs where everyone needs to let
off some steam. Constantly using foul language, however, can make it
difficult to fit into a professional environment, says Jennifer
Kahnweiler, author of "The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet
Strength." "Perceptions are important in shaping your career -- you
don't want to be seen as that foul-mouthed person," she says. Be
especially careful about your language when surrounded by several
co-workers at once -- such as during meetings or when working in teams.
Prevent real communication
Using
curse words over and over again can prevent you from truly
communicating what you're trying to say. Instead of cursing, take the
time to figure out how to let your co-workers understand what you're
really thinking. Even if you're angry or upset, take time to develop a
professional communication strategy. "Cursing is an aggressive and
hostile way of expressing one's self," Lett says.
Furthermore it
can create a distance between you and the others in your department
because it makes others uncomfortable. "When people are uncomfortable
around someone they avoid them whenever possible," she explains.
Hamper your image
Similar
to a disheveled appearance or tardiness, foul language can impact the
way you're perceived by others in the workplace. Even if you do great
work, cursing can have an impact on your ability to get promoted or get
better job responsibilities. "You need to be aware of how you present
yourself to your co-workers, superiors and clients," says Suzanne Lucas,
a writer and human resources expert. "Swearing when books get dropped
on your toes or the copier dies on you is one thing, peppering your
daily conversation with expletives is another."
Repercussions from human resources
Just
because no one in your department comments on your use of foul
language, doesn't mean it's going unnoticed. In some instances it can be
reported to human resources with an official warning.
Sometimes
it can even get you fired. "Someone who works customer facing [roles] --
such as retail or sales or call centers -- would be fired for swearing,
as it's not appropriate with a customer," Lucas says.
Of course
not everyone gets fired. And as you evaluate your behavior, cursing once
in a while is no cause for alarm. "We all get angry and frustrated and
using a curse word can be the best release available," says Kahnweiler.
"Just be aware that this language shouldn't become your M.O. or you
could be seen as lacking self control."