A leading human resources expert has predicted that the independence debate could spark disputes in the workplace.
Donna Gibb, of Empire, which has offices in Aberdeen, said managers and staff must be made aware of the implications of expressing or enforcing strongly held views.
She warned that such conduct could be seen as discriminatory behaviour or harassment.
Ms Gibb said the Equality Act 2010 prohibits direct discrimination, indirect discrimination and harassment in the workplace in respect of religion, religious belief and philosophical belief.
“As voting day draws nearer views are likely to become more entrenched and there is the possibility more clients could see disputes arising as a result of clashes in the workplace on the rights and wrongs of independence,” she added.
“Recent case law has defined a philosophical belief as one which is genuinely held and there are certainly strong views on this particular topic.
“Employers are recommended to remind their managers and wider workforce of the implications of expressing their strongly held views in the workplace, or enforcing their views on others, because such conduct could be seen as discriminatory behaviour or harassment.”
Ms Gibb said employers must consider early intervention to resolve any disputes that arise.
She added that tools such as mediation can be effective in repairing damaged relations.
Campaigners on both sides of the debate have said they abhorred all intemperate language and want the debate to be conducted in a passionate but peaceful way.
A spokesman for pro-UK campaign group Better Together said: “This is the biggest decision we will ever take in Scotland, so everybody should feel free to speak out about the future of our country.
“It is essential that the debate is conducted with respect for the views of everybody, no matter how they plan to vote.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We encourage everyone to put forward their views, whatever they are, – on the independence debate and on Scotland’s future.”