Swearing at work is good for stress!

A study carried out by The University of East Anglia has found that the use of ‘taboo language’ actually boosts team spirit and morale.

Professor Yehuda Baruch, Professor of Management at the Norwich-based institution, warned bosses that a ban on swear words could have a negative impact on staff, as letting off steam vocally helped people cope with stressful situations.

"It would remove the source of solidarity and in doing so could lead to decreased morale and work motivation," Baruch said.

The study found that the regular use of profanity helped staff to express themselves – in particular helping them to deal with feelings of frustration and other emotions. A good swear also helped employees to develop social relationships.

"Employees use swearing on a continuous basis, but not necessarily in a negative, abusive manner," Baruch said.

"The primary issue for management is whether or not to apply a tolerant leadership culture to the workplace and deliberately allow swearing."

The research suggested that women were more prone to verbal expressions of discontent than men, but that men also swore more than might traditionally be expected, especially among themselves.

Professor Baruch did add the caveat that it was important for employers to know when to clamp down on foul language. "Certainly in most scenarios, in particular in the presence of customers or senior staff, profanity must be seriously discouraged or banned,'' he added.

In August 2007, chef Marco Morana won his claim for unfair dismissal after swearing at a waitress and insulting his manager’s son. He blamed his conduct on a ‘Spanish temperament’ but did accept some responsibility.

The use of ‘foul and abusive language’ aimed at or concerning the employee in front of other employees is likely to be an aggravating factor in undermining trust and confidence, and could quite possibly lead to tribunal claims without adequate management. Employers must make sure that they have adequate bullying and harassment policies in place, and deal with unprofessional conduct via disciplinary or performance procedures.