Work, for many, consumes a large part of our lives. Yes, while work can be a headache, it also endows us with positive attributes:
- Work helps us maintain a certain standard of living
- It provides us with a sense of routine and structure
- It extends our social network and may lead to greater involvement in the community via work-related events
- It can provide us with better career opportunities
During COVID-19, many struggled with the loss of these positive attributes. Now, a frightening challenge awaits: The return to work. How do you successfully navigate a return to work after being out of work for an extended period of time, or after being a remote worker who now has to return to the workplace structure?
Psychology Today has some powerful insights and tips for both employers and employees. The article suggests a greater emphasis and focus on the mental health aspect of a workforce overall, which is a didactic proposition, particularly given that the reality of a return to work, for some, will be a very stressful transition.
Even pre-COVID, many work environments were already struggling with some form of negativity due to constant change, organizational restructuring and staff leaving but not being replaced. Greater expectations were often placed upon each employee, creating a natural momentum for stress.
What else contributes to a negative work environment? Experts opine that a lack of cultural awareness among a culturally diverse workforce, poor communication and gossip all contribute to this sort of environment. A lack of cultural awareness can lead to misunderstandings; poor communication can lead to misinterpretation, and ultimately, conflict; and gossip can subdivide even the most cohesive group dynamic.
On a daily basis, being among negative thinkers in a work environment affects our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health. Any excessive time spent, frankly, with perpetually negative or overbearing people, be they family, friends or others, can dampen and erode one’s spirit.
So what types of communication skills can you implement, personally, to improve your work environment?
The dos and don’ts
Do:
Practice reflective and effective listening
Reflective listening means “mirroring back” or repeating what someone is saying to you to ascertain you have heard them correctly. Effective listening requires one to truly listen (as opposed to thinking about a response during the conversation) to what is being said. By doing so, you absorb more of what you hear and what is being said.
Think about what you’re going to say before you say it
In other words, put yourself in the other person’s shoes when communicating. This is particularly important to consider when you need to discuss a sensitive topic with a co-worker or manager. Clear, respectful communication results in effective communication. Even the toughest topics may be worked through, provided you maintain respect for the other person. Most people will appreciate positive feedback and validation just as you do.
Appreciate that everyone learns at a different pace
Everyone is different, which makes for a diverse, well-balanced workforce.
Have realistic expectations of yourself and others.
Perfectionistic expectations are not only unrealistic, but frankly, unhealthy.
Remain neutral
if a co-worker comes to you about a conflict with another co-worker, remain neutral. Reflect back to them what they are saying. Validate their feelings, but do not do so at the cost of choosing sides between them and the other co-worker. Brainstorm together about how to problem-solve the situation and work through the conflict, in order to try to prevent it from happening again.
Become involved in work-related social activities
Approach them with a positive outlook. Do not strictly talk about work during the event, however. Social events in a workplace are usually meant to provide employees recreational time with other co-workers. Look at social activities as an opportunity to spend quality time with a co-worker you would like to get to know.
Be genuine
If you have been short or irritated with a co-worker and know you were wrong, be genuine and apologize. We are all human and make mistakes. Should you, yourself, become angry about something, you are always allowed to take a time out by way of a walk, taking a break or removing yourself from the environment where stressful stimuli are present, if only momentarily.
Often even a quick walk to somewhere else in the building, if you cannot get away or outside for a walk, will help alleviate anxiety. Simply stepping away will help clear your head and put things in proper perspective. Bear in mind, also, that you cannot control someone else’s behaviour, and unless they are being offensive or inappropriate, you should not try to force a co-worker to see your point of view too forcefully, as this will not be received well.
Don’t:
React too emotionally
Don’t react too emotionally, impulsively or compulsively to situations in the work environment.
Engage in dead-end arguments
Particularly avoid this in front of other co-workers or clients, if they are present. Instead, ask the individual to step away with you to discuss the situation. This minimizes stress on the environment. Also, learn to pick your battles and maintain a “healthy” sense of competition. The best approach is not to worry about competing with your co-workers but rather, competing against yourself to always accomplish personal improvements.
“Rant” or “vent” to co-workers
In particular, don’t rant or vent about managers or other co-workers. You might really regret that, and what has been said in a heated moment cannot be taken back.
Raise your voice to a co-worker or supervisor
Not only will this intimidate people, you don’t want to have people disassociate themselves from you because they are frightened of you. While your behaviour may seem justified in the present moment, in hindsight, you may regret your actions, which will only lead to fears about the backlash it may cause.
Offer unsolicited advice
Don’t tell a co-worker what to do unless you are asked for assistance. This excludes mentioning things regarding potential safety hazards. An unsafe environment can be harmful to all.
Expect everyone to snap back into a routine post-COVID-19
For some, getting back into the workforce may be extremely anxiety-producing, considering how long we have been isolated. It only stands to reason that getting back into a schedule and a routine will be an art everyone will have to remaster.
Stay in your own lane
Adhering to these Dos and Don’ts will keep you “in your own lane” when it comes to putting your best communication skills forward at work. You can also be a role model to others, thereby encouraging them to look at work in a more positive light.
Above all, be patient with the return to working life for yourself and others after COVID-19. Hopefully, COVID-19 will fade, and returning to work will become less anxiety-producing. In the interim, applying a few concrete communication skills can help you maintain a sense of positivism for not only yourself but your co-workers as well, which will ultimately contribute to a more positive environment for all.
“Being positive won’t guarantee you’ll succeed. But being negative will guarantee that you won’t” – Jon Gordon
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Image 1 Szilárd Szabó from Pixabay 2 image by Yogendra Singh from Pixabay 3 image by 0fjd125gk87 from Pixabay
