Use of Abusive Language at Workplace – A Disruptor of Workplace Well-being
Workplace well-being is one of the biggest perks any organisation can offer to its employees. Taxing or intimidating work environments leads to an increase in diseases leading to higher expenditure on health & insurance of employees, more absenteeism from work, lack of sense of belonging among others. It also leads to the disengagement of the employee in long term, resulting in a lack of loyalty.
The use of abusive language or conduct at the workplace can spoil the well-being of a workplace immensely. While it might be harmless for some, for others it can be irksome, discomforting and intimidating. Due to diversity at the workplace and different exposures of individuals, abusive language also is considered subjective at times. Meaning that it might be common practice for some individuals to use/witness/be subject to curse words, while for others it might be triggering past trauma, insulting, double meaning etc.
Whether used casually or to vent out emotions it impacts the work environment massively. It can result in immediate erosion of respect between members, low morale and low productivity. When witnessed by external stakeholders it can also build a poor image of the organisation.
Each employee should be extremely aware and cognizant of the impact of abusive words on their colleagues on the overall work environment of their organization. Building a congenial environment is the shared responsibility of all employees as well as the organisation.
Our Code prohibits harassment and disrespectful or intimidating behaviour & situations among others including use of abusive language. It acts as a guiding light for good organisational behaviour and conduct. It is imperative that awareness on the role and characteristics of our Code is created regularly so that all stakeholders are conscious of the Code and adhere to it in letter and spirit.
