Insulting a person at the workplace leads to self-doubt for the employees, hurts their honesty and commitment to the organisation, makes them feel devalued. Photo Courtesy: istock
Facing insults results in increased attrition, decreased productivity, passive aggressive behaviour and deviation or lack of connection to the organisational outcomes. It can lead to depression caused by anxiety, anger, anguish, reduced morale absenteeism and isolate them in the team, leading to reduced productivity.
Facing it regularly at the workplace from your managers, bosses and colleagues can lead to depression caused by anxiety, anger, anguish, reduced morale absenteeism and isolate them in the team, leading to reduced productivity.
Insults may be toxic for one person but not for all. The affected person should definitely talk to the person concerned and if they find it difficult to deal with, bring it up to the HR.
Managers and bosses should seek regular feedback from employees, one-on-one discussions to understand their experiences and any concerns related to language or communication. They should be open to listen and act upon the feedback received and make necessary improvements. Organisations need to be proactive by crafting a Profanity or Language Policy.
They need to ensure those who wish to complain about the use of offensive language know they are protected. The policy may also require employees to respect their coworkers' sensitivities. If another employee asks them to not use certain words, they should do it. It is also important to prohibit profane language related to body parts and sexual innuendo. Vulgarity, crude jokes, and obscene insults can create a hostile work environment and result in sexual harassment or discrimination. It is important to also conduct training workshops so that everybody knows how they have to behave in an office environment.
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