It's 'Dignity at Work,' dear, so be careful what you say

The opera company said the policy is a guideline for staff members.
LONDON (AP) -- Watch that word, darling, English National Opera managers said in a warning to staff.
The company said Thursday it has advised staff against using favored theatrical terms of address like darling, fearing it "may constitute sexual harassment."
The policy is set out in a document called "Dignity at Work," which outlines workplace protocol. It goes against the grain in a city where many people commonly address complete strangers as "my love" or "gorgeous."
"This is simply guidance for employees -- we are protecting ourselves and them," spokesman Anthony McNeill said. "We live in a litigious society."
He said that though some people "may have used the term darling to each other for years, there are others who may consider it inappropriate.
"You can't obviously ban a word, but it's all about the context in which it is used.
"Whilst it may be acceptable between friends, it would be thought of very differently if the term is used by a senior colleague and accompanied by a wink."
Offers clarification
McNeill said the guidance clarifies matters for staff wanting to use the company's grievance procedures, though he said the opera company has had no problems with sexual harassment.
"We realize that it would be almost impossible to ban the word darling in theaterland, but this is about addressing some serious issues," he said.
Workers at ENO's London Coliseum headquarters have also been told that they must refrain from "suggestive remarks or lewd conduct that denigrates or ridicules or is intimidatory or physically abusive of an employee because of their sex, which is derogatory, or insults which are gender related."
The policy warns about making unwelcome sexual advances, pressure for sexual activity and "offensive" flirtation.
The document also describes what is considered unacceptable physical contact, listing unnecessary touching, patting or brushing against another employee's body.
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