A Workplace Divided

In less than 100 days, Americans will take to the polls to choose between President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden.  Now more than ever, our country is divided ideology and with social media; differing opinions are just a click away.  With the additional topics of discussion like race relations, severity of COVID-19, sex and gender equality; celebrated diversity in the workplace can be a toxic cultural recipe if not handled correctly.

Companies cannot and should not try to quash these conversations because contrary to popular belief, these conversations already happening.  However, what companies can do is create an inclusive culture of civility where difference is not a disruption.

Although humans naturally bond with those in their own groups, this tendency can foster unhealthy mindsets against those with political, religious and cultural differences.  For many of us, the workplace has become the most diverse setting in our lives. Our work relationships tend to cut across race, gender, religion, sexual orientation and political persuasion. Because of this, workplace environments have the potential to orient us toward working across differences more than anyplace else.

Allowing the tribalism that has infected our society to undermine work environments is contrary to successfully meeting company goals and objectives. For this reason, companies need to take up the important work of addressing issues of diversity and culture and finding common ground. While many organizations provide skills training, it's just as important that they provide training in interpersonal areas, such as communication, inclusion and unconscious bias.

It's incredibly valuable to engage with people with different points of view, but it's essential that this happen as dialogue rather than debate. Create a safe space for the conversations, set ground rules and ask everyone to override their individual biases. Learning to listen actively to points of view you may not agree with, while resisting the tendency to convince others or win the argument, can translate to better employee-to-employee relations as well as employee-to-customer relations.  Sharing personal stories is a way of belonging—of being heard and seen. Inviting the sharing of stories enables people to feel known, and also to know one another. It does, however, require time, attention and active listening. Invite employees to share their stories in meetings, in employee resource groups, in diversity education or anyplace it may fit into the employee experience. Sharing stories is a way to learn not only about one another personally but also about other worldviews.

It's important that every employee understands how his or her role serves the greater good. Does the person at the front desk understand how welcoming people can affect the mood of what follows? Are the people who do administrative work and never see the customer acknowledged for the way they contribute to the customer experience? The acknowledgment of everyone's contribution to the mission gives people a sense of being part of a team.  An organizational mission that provides a clear vision for what the company is trying to accomplish is essential. Having a powerful and positive organizational narrative around belonging and the value of diversity, and frequently communicating and reinforcing that narrative, produces a story that employees can repeat, reflect on and internalize. It allows everyone to see himself or herself as part of a team and helps to override polarities from individual viewpoints.

Bridging divides in our organizational lives creates greater harmony and cooperation. Not only does engaging with different groups promote new insights, it validates the humanity of people on all sides of an issue.

Questco is there to help you inspire your labor force through a plethora of HR Services such as: Payroll Services, Benefit Plans, Benefits Administration, HR Technology and Workers’ Comp & Safety Services.  Utilizing Questco’s vast experience, your company can thrive in today’s environment.

Charlie Reeves, Senior Business Development Manager, has decades of experience in Human Resource Solutions.  He is one of the most senior members at Questco and recognized for helping clients of all sizes save money, improve labor efficiency and provide the strongest support for HR Services.  As an entrepreneurs himself, he has lived the long days and sleepless nights on the road to success.  He brings the skill and scale to support you in the pursuit of your goals.  For more information on payroll services, benefit plans, benefits administration, HR technology, workers’ comp and safety services email Charlie.Reeves@questco.net or contact him directly at 936.521.5841.