On the offensive

On the offensive

I can't be 100% certain, but the other day I think I overheard a colleague on the phone say - well, I won't repeat it, but it is a term that pretty much everyone would consider racist. I don't know the context, of course, but I'm still shocked that he said it at work, and it definitely makes me look at him in a different light. Should I confront him about his language?

The worker's view

Emma Nixon, administrator

I think I would be very offended if someone used that particular word anywhere - more so in the office. I don't really get that offended by language but there are certain words that no one should use in the modern world, and especially not in a business environment. This kind of language is completely unnecessary. I work in an open-plan office and you have to remember that everything you say, even if it is in a private phone call, can be overheard by any of your colleagues. So you have to make sure that your language is suitable at all times.

I don't think I would be able to confront anyone (I'm not a confrontational person), but I'd definitely feel differently about that particular person in the future, and the racist connotations would concern me. I would probably just give them an offended look, or if I knew the person, maybe say something small so they knew that I was disgusted.

The etiquette expert's view

Rachel Holland is the founder of Rachel Holland Associates.....continued below

No - you should go to your HR department. Explain what you heard and take their advice.

Remember that you overheard the comment; it might be perceived that you were eavesdropping and this is not good manners. However, in most offices eavesdropping is unavoidable, so you are not at fault.

Unless this person is a close friend of yours, you should not confront them. This will make matters worse and you will both feel awkward.

Any language that is offensive, vulgar and impolite is unacceptable in the workplace. This particular kind of language is a zero-tolerance issue - we can all use a different vocabulary at home, but there is no place for racist language at work.

If you feel strongly about inappropriate language being used in your workplace, raise it at a staff meeting. There is no need to use specific examples - just highlight how colleagues should respectfully interact with one another - you may just be surprised at how many people will feel the same way.