Swearing in the workplace: Where should you draw the line?

Is swearing ever appropriate in the workplace? Six recent cases suggest that the line between what is and is not appropriate is becoming increasingly blurred.

When it comes to swearing in the workplace, context is key.

Employers cannot look at swearing in a vacuum. Instead, they need to consider all the circumstances and ensure they take a measured approach. While there may be no clear line, an employer should never act too hastily and must ensure employees are afforded procedural fairness in all circumstances.

A recent decision by the Fair Work Commission (FWC) in David Pauling v Roy Hill Operations Pty Ltd¹ (in which Corrs represented the employer) highlights the importance of context.