Hostile work environment?

Ron J

A supervisor that is currently employed at the company I work for has a tendency to use language not suitable for the dinner table. The individual is not making racial or other discriminitory remarks, but their comments are frequently laced with profanity. Does this have the possibilty of consituting a hostile work environment? Could another individual who is not above using foul language have a legitimate complaint against the above mentioned supervisor?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts on the subject.

Ron

Hunter1

Probably not a hostile work environment, and this may be 'shop talk' depending on how many employees use it in the work place. On the other hand, this supervisor probably better not complain that a subordinate 'cussed him/her out' and want to take disciplinary action for insubordination. At least in a union environment, it would get tossed by an arbitrator.

On the other hand, many profane words have meanings which may get him/her into trouble from a discriminatory standpoint.

ray a

We do take the approach that it violates our harassment policy. Many people are offended by profanity and though impossible to eliminate, we do address the issue when complaints are made. We have been pushing the concept of respect - respect up and down the ladder and horizontally between peers. This includes language.

smaces_twin

I deal with this as a respect issue, not a harassment issue. I suggest you do the same.

Balloonman

I guess one must decide how they expect employees to treat each other.

My $0.02 worth!
DJ The Balloonman