How to Deal With a Boss That Uses Profanity

Report profanity to human resources if you find it distracting or offensive.

Profanity in the workplace is never an appropriate way to communicate, but when your boss or superior is doing it, you may find it difficult to know the proper way to handle it or ultimately report it. As an employee, regardless of your position within the company, you have the right to work in a comfortable atmosphere free of offensive words or phrases. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself when your boss is acting unfavorably and making the workplace a difficult environment.

Instructions

1. Keep track of the profanity occurrences and document each word or phrase spoken including the date, time, witnesses and any other details. This will be important later on if you decide you need to report the profanity to human resources. The department will not only need to know what was spoken, but where in the office it was, such as near your desk, in the break room or during a meeting.

2. Speak to your boss about the profanity if you feel comfortable enough to do so. Your boss simply may not realize the language offends you. Be honest and upfront about the situation, telling her it makes you uncomfortable to hear profanity in a professional environment.

3. Find an ally at work who also does not appreciate the profanity from your boss. This person should be someone who has witnessed or heard the language herself. It will help you to have the support of someone else if and when you need to report it. Your company may also be more willing to take action if it is affecting more than one person.

4. Report the profanity of your boss to human resources if speaking to him has not worked, or if you do not feel comfortable bringing up the situation to him personally. Schedule a private meeting with the human resources department and bring any documentation you have collected thus far.

5. Consider switching departments in your company or changing jobs altogether if nothing has been done about the profanity. The stress you endure while working in an uncomfortable environment may not be worth keeping your job.

References

• Business Management Daily; Curbing Profanity in the Workplace; Marie McIntyre, Ph.D.; June 2010
• Quint Careers; Dealing With a Bad Boss: Strategies for Coping; Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D