It’s the frickin’ truth: Study claims swearing boosts work morale

Posted on by Justin Lopinot

There’s a new study out that claims profantity in the workplace has a postive impact on morale and motivation. On first glance it seems like a load of ____ [the study doesn't say if cursing is appropriate for a company blog], but perhaps I’m overlooking the merit behind this long-overdue research project.

Letting fly with a good F-bomb every once in a while can be cathartic, but there’s always a time and a place. If you’re around your peers or co-workers you’re extremely comfortable with, perhaps it’s OK. But in front of a client? I don’t think there are many instances where a potty mouth is appropriate.

Here’s the Budweiser take:
[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJJL5dxgVaM]

What do you think?

  • Marriage-101

    In my mind, and only in certain situations, it can create a level of comfort and help in the relationship building both internally and with clients. However, I would strongly caution against doing this with a client unless he/she says it first. And also, if you don’t curse in your everyday life, don’t do it just because someone else does – client or not. You still need to stay true to yourself.

    ——-

  • Maiaoming

    Very interesting. I guess this really depends on CONTEXT… my male boss swears, but it comes off, instead of “I’m one of you guys!” as “I’m a rough asshole who can’t tell how to talk to people.” My coworkers and I swear – but only if we know each other well, and then yes, it’s a tension-reliever, b/c it’s a way for us to share something…
    funny how language works like that!

  • Tammy

    It’s interesting that this subject came up.  Just Sunday I was listening to an interview on NPR regarding the use of the N word by musical artists.  As I was thinking about the use of the N word and the F word it occurred to me that often swear words (especially those mentioned) become a lazy way of replacing nouns, verbs and adjectives – to the point that many argue the words are no longer foul because they have taken on different meanings.  I disagree.  As one who values word choice, I’m disappointed to see swear words infiltrate the work place.  To me, the use of swear words makes the user sound ignorant and out of control.

    Does that mean I don’t ever swear?  Heck no!  But I recognize more self-control is expected at work, and if I find myself wanting for a good expletive, I can always pull up a Thesaurus.

  • Christi

    Call me old-fashioned, but I think swearing is offensive in any professional situation… save it for the happy hour!

  • Susan

    My mom always says, and I agree with her for the most part, that people use swear words when they’re not intelligent enough to choose other words. The rules at happy hours are different, however (my mom doesn’t say that, I do).