Simple gestures
If we travel though life waiting for others to show respect before we do, all we will end up with is a stand-off.
My daughter started a new job in Canberra in December, on her first day she was greeted with a welcome card, chocolates, and friendly faces. Simple gestures that didn’t cost much, didn’t take long and yet created such a welcoming vibe that made her feel instantly welcome and valued.
We can all appreciate that starting a new job, in a new environment can be intimidating; for some people an intimidating culture is their everyday experience.
Setting employees up in a psychologically safe environment creates a win win culture for everyone, but it can’t be taken for granted, and while it can (and should) start on day 1 it shouldn’t stop there.
I am often saddened and sometimes frustrated by comments written on my evaluation forms, when participants use the comments to say; ‘thanks, but nothing will ever change here’, or ‘training is not enough’, or even ‘this is management’s problem, not ours’. I understand that it can be hard to see your work environment through a positive lens if historically the culture has been less than supportive, safe, or inspiring, and yes, cultural change does take work. However, negativity and blame just breeds more of the same with no end in sight.
Whether we like it or not, we are all responsible for our workplace culture, ‘the standard we walk past is the standard we accept’. For some this is difficult, for some people disrespect, bullying and other harm has caused scars, baggage and triggers that can not simply be forgotten and can be hard to rise above. This is where bystander actions and support create power and eventually re-build strength and a sense of safety for those previously harmed. Our workplaces are not meant to be filled with individual silos but with people coming together to inspire, collaborate and grow as teams.
If we travel though life waiting for others to show respect before we do, all we will end up with is a stand-off.
My daughter, in her new workplace, had an awesome first day/week/month but it doesn’t stop there. Her job is to pass it on, engage, recognise her contribution, and keep the bar raised.
I wish I had a magic wand and that a simple training session could change a culture immediately – unfortunately there is no magic, there is only commitment and communication from everyone. Don’t start 2022 waiting for someone else to create your workplace culture. YOU are an integral part of your culture, and your contribution WILL make a difference. So start by smiling at someone new, offer to grab them a coffee when you get your own, tell someone they’ve done a great job, chose to see the positive, swap judging for curiosity, be open, grow, learn, support.
Contact us, Respect at Work would love to work with your teams in 2022.