warning at work for swearing

[Slavetolove]

I was called into the office for a warning the other day. I'm a support worker and was speaking to another member of staff when clients were in their bedroom. I can't even remember the conversation at all but I think I said the world fuck/fuck off but not towards the staff member, it was just in conversation.

I swear, but I'm strict on myself to not swear in front of clients. The member of staff reported me. I was ripped a new one. Because the clients were in the house it was meant it was around them and because its their house. The owner had a huge go at me saying there would be no way I would be allowed to swear in his house.
one member of staff said she said "bloody hell" in front of a client yesterday but nothing was said.
im so embarrassed. I'm bloody good at my job.

[Brieandcamembert]

. I was ripped a new one.

You don't seem the most articulate, with phrases like that and swearing.

[Kitkat151]

@HangingDitch

Take it on the chin and learn from it.

This....no one died....it will all be forgotten soon enough

[UndertheCedartree]

I think your colleague was a bit of a dick for reporting you. If it wasn't around clients I don't see the problem. If your colleague had a problem with it she should have probably just told you. I'm a HCP and we swear all the time but obviously not around patients.

[Tee20x]

Weird that the colleague reported you but was happy enough to chat with you. If she didn't like it or was so concerned about it couldn't she have had a private word? It's not like it's an anonymous reporting lol you obviously know it's her...

[newtb]

Fuck is a verbal assault, and you can be arrested and charged for using the word in a public place.

I know I've used it myself, at the side of the coffee machine about my mil, but it was in a very informal chat to a very good friend who also had problems with her mil.

[inmyslippers]

Since when has mn been precious
about swearing...


^^ I know right. Nethuns is that way 👉🏾🚪

[ShaneTheThird]

Fuck is a verbal assault, and you can be arrested and charged for using the word in a public place.

I've said it to a good few police officers in my time

[AutumnAnn]

Bit of a bitchy move by your colleague to report you, especially if no one else heard, she could have just politely reminded you about not swearing. The F word is mild compared to what people come out with at my work, though we're not in customer facing roles at all.

[ThirdElephant]

@newtb

Fuck is a verbal assault, and you can be arrested and charged for using the word in a public place.

I know I've used it myself, at the side of the coffee machine about my mil, but it was in a very informal chat to a very good friend who also had problems with her mil.

Now, I'm no expert, but it's my understanding that verbal assault refers to situations in which someone feels threatened by what you've said. It's less about the specific words than the intent and their effect. Happy to be corrected if I'm wrong.

[Anonymouseposter]

Swearing has become so normalised (on here for example) that people let it slip and forget that there are places and situations where it's not appropriate and can really grate on others/ cause offense.
Your colleague was a bit over the top to report it but you were probably using the wrong language in the wrong place.
It's not exactly a serious offense though and I'm sure it will soon be forgotten.

[Awwlookatmybabyspider]

Op has already had a telling off and warning from her work. I don't think its the place of mumsnet to be giving her the length of their tongues.
Are you lot all Holier and more perfect than thou

[SpidersAreShitheads]

I am Little Miss Sweary Pants on a regular basis but I wouldn't have sworn at work when I was employed (I'm now self employed so there's only me here). Although you were in another room, the client could have overheard which would be very unprofessional - but you know this.

I think the colleague reporting you was spiteful, unnecessary and backhanded. I suspect they knew they would be seriously dropping you in the proverbial. Unless you make a habit of swearing casually when a client could overhear - which you say is not the case - then I think your main issue here is your working relationship with this individual. I'm not sure I could chat in a friendly way to this colleague again in the future. Civil and functional as necessary, but nothing more.

As a complete aside, I thoroughly enjoy the phrase "ripped a new one". Entirely appropriate for a post venting on MN. Ignore the PP ripping you a new one for using the phrase ripping you a new one 😘😅

[Awwlookatmybabyspider]

You can be arrested and charged for using the word in a public place.

No wonder the prisons are full then. Is that why so many paedos are walking free because there's too many locked up for swearing.

[Divorced2kids]

@Slavetolove

iv never sworn, especially around clients! I can't think of anything worse.

What if I walked around bare arsed and did the konga?

I’m fairly sure there are worse things!

[iklboodolphrednosedpaindear]

Fuck is a verbal assault, and you can be arrested and charged for using the word in a public place.

I've said it to a good few police officers in my time

I've known a good few police officers say it to me. 😄

[RavingAnnie]

@BurbageBrook

God what a precious pearl clutcher your colleague was to report you.

This.

[EmeraldShamrock]

It's done so put it between you.
Your pride is hurt you'll recover, continue doing your job well and save the fucks until home time.

[Topseyt]

Your colleague is a precious, pearl clutching twat.

You didn't swear in front of the client, and not within earshot of them. There was no issue here.

Also, do we really now have MN lecturing someone about swearing?! What irony and hypocrisy!

[isee20]

Don't be so hard on yourself. You made a mistake, you can be damn sure you won't do it again! Going by your post you have learnt from it and that's positive. Go back to work and hold you head high and continue being good at what you do. It's done, it's been dealt with and this time next week it will be forgotten. If you uphold your high standards then you'll be absolutely fine. We've all been there in some shape or form!

[MichelleScarn]

Fuck is a verbal assault, and you can be arrested and charged for using the word in a public place.

What is going on on this thread?!!! What has happened to MN with all the shock at the use of fuck?!

[XelaM]

Wow how do people NOT swear at work?! We swear all the time. What's the big deal

[XelaM]

...and no, you can't be arrested just for using the word "fuck" we would have no police officers on the streets if that was the case

[Slavetolove]

Well Iv been taken off that shift now, had a text this morning saying they have cancelled two of my up coming shifts with the client.

[LonginesPrime]

Wow how do people NOT swear at work?! We swear all the time. What's the big deal

Obviously, it's about context and judgement.

If your job isn't client-facing, your comment makes sense, but if you generalise about "swearing at work", this also includes teachers swearing in front of young children, nurses swearing in front of dying hospice patients, post office staff swearing in front of customers, wedding celebrants swearing during the service, etc.

Obviously, there are some workplaces where it's fine to swear and others where it would be massively inappropriate.

[inmyslippers]

Well Iv been taken off that shift now, had a text this morning saying they have cancelled two of my up coming shifts with the client.

^ sorry to hear op. The thing with care though is you'll never be short of work.