WHEN TO DRAW THE LINE ON PROFANITY IN THE WORKPLACE

In a current court case involving an employee on the set of 'Friends", a writer's assistant filed suit against the producers for sexual harassment as she was constantly subjected to a barrage of profanity and graphic discussion amongst co workers.  The appeals court has preliminarily ruled that she has sufficient evidence of a hostile and offensive work environment.   

The point we make here is that employers must be very prudent in monitoring casual discussion and those of profane expression of exasperation in their workplace.  Employers can avoid litigation the usual way by ensuring they have effective procedures in place to squelch vulgar discussion and review of complaints.   Management should be attentive to knowing whether they are hearing regular banter that pertains to storylines or verbalization that is outside of the ballpark.  

Don't let your company fall victim to expensive litigation costs  - be proactive documenting and communicating to employees what your expectations of appropriate workplace language is.