Any Australians around?

PoorCharleyBear

Dumbe wrote: »

As to swearing In the workplace. I think much like the uk it would depend on where you worked.

The large blue chip sydney organizations ihave worked in.. Using b* or bloody idiot would land you in formal warning country and if not sacking at the very least no prospect ever of promotion.

Smaller private businesses are more relaxed generally.

That said I havn't heard any greater amount of offensive language in Aus then the uk.

Either this was a while ago, or you work in a very unusual company.
I have worked in a large multinational here in Aus for many years, and 'bloody' etc (milder swear words) are common place. Even the country chair says bloody and he is very important.

Swearing is far less of an issue here, but I have only heard 'bull' in American terms.
(My small daughter thinks that 'shut up' is a swear word!!)

Savvy_Sue

Gloomendoom wrote: »

Maybe they are too young...

They're a bit younger than me, and I am 55+, but of course I don't know how old the person who asked for the Durex was.

It was just especially unfortunate combined with calling someone 'Kinky'.

Dumbe

PoorCharleyBear wrote: »

Either this was a while ago, or you work in a very unusual company.
I have worked in a large multinational here in Aus for many years, and 'bloody' etc (milder swear words) are common place. Even the country chair says bloody and he is very important.

Swearing is far less of an issue here, but I have only heard 'bull' in American terms.
(My small daughter thinks that 'shut up' is a swear word!!)

Maybe it's partly the fact I work in an industry that tends to attract the more geeky scientific types, but no having worked for multiple multinationals in Aus .. currently an American owned one based in Sydney.. I having checked policy that bloody would not be acceptable language and wouldbe aar the very least highly unprofessional..

The previous ones admittedly have had non Australian company chairs, but this one has an Aussie one and I cannot picture him swearing no matter what.

However I fully appreciate other industries may be different .. And other neighborhoods too ( I live in rose bay) and have never been to the smaller more rural towns inland. Which may be more laid back.

I listened carefully in the pub I went to yesterday with colleagues for any swearing ...none, and again in the coffee shop this morning nothing

But I am not saying you are wrong.. Only it does not fit with my experience