5 Positive & 5 Toxic Workplace Behaviors
A great place to work is not only enjoyable but also conducive to promoting teamwork and creativity. However, while a few common workplace behaviours encourage productivity and collaboration, some can have the opposite effect. Knowing the difference is crucial to achieving a positive and collaborative office environment.
This article will discuss fundamental ways to create a great workplace and a few ways to we have experienced a less-than-great work environment.
5 Positive Workplace Behaviors
Try to embody these positive traits if you're looking for a workplace that boosts morale and enhances cross-functional teams.
Openness
Create a safe environment for people to share ideas without being judged or ridiculed.
This openness builds trust and respect among team members.
Try and encourage others to share their thoughts.
Hear others' opinions with an open mind.
When ideas are expressed respectfully, people are more likely to take them seriously.
Empathy
Everyone faces challenges in life.
Understanding how your teammates feel is essential so the organization can support them through difficult times.
Show a genuine interest in how your colleagues are doing.
Listen without judgment and offer support when needed.
Be kind and respectful when communicating, so people feel valued.
Ownership
Take responsibility for your actions and learn from your mistakes.
Own your problems; use this free template to simplify a problem so you can effectively communicate your needs to people.
Don't hide mistakes or make sweeping statements to defend your actions.
Be willing to admit when you're wrong and show humility during conversations.
Self-awareness is an integral part of building trust. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Selflessness
You win as a team, and you lose as a team.
Celebrate victories and celebrate losses together.
Share the credit and accept the blame together.
Don't hoard information or take credit for other people's work.
Balance
Prioritize mental & physical health.
Be mindful of what's important to you.
Make time for the things that make you happy.
Take time to recharge and relax so you can stay productive.
Keep your mental health from taking a backseat to your busy work schedule.
Take a walk - we discuss how walking can improve your creative output and reduce stress.
5 Toxic Workplace Behaviors
We are human, and the expectation of being on 24/7 is unrealistic, dangerous, and unproductive. We promote positive leadership and teamwork to maintain a healthy work-life balance. In addition, we're always looking for ways to improve our mental health and well-being. So look out for these 5 Toxic workplace behaviours.
Micro-management:
Reduces autonomy leads to distrust in an organization.
Lack of trust and respect for employees can result in decreased productivity, job satisfaction, and employee engagement.
Learn to give your employees the freedom to make decisions in a supportive environment.
Support and empower your team by giving them the necessary resources to succeed.
No Empathy:
Judgment can happen when someone shares a struggle.
People don't open up about personal issues because they fear judgment or ridicule.
Remember, don't try and fix people's problems. Just be a good listener.
Blame:
Refrain from forming a culture of criticizing individuals for their mistakes instead of learning.
Being critical of others can negatively impact their motivation and lead to low morale and disengagement in the workplace.
Instead of blaming people for problems, focus on finding ways to help them overcome obstacles.
Self Entitlement:
Be mindful of demanding favour without providing value.
Refrain from being treated differently than others.
Consider the needs of your people and the organization.
Narcissistic behaviour and a sense of entitlement can lead to conflict in the workplace.
Unrealistic expectations:
Employees should not be expected to be available 24/7.
This expectation can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.
It's essential to set clear expectations and communicate them throughout the organization.
Take the time to understand what is necessary for your employees and establish fair and flexible working conditions.
The workplace can be a challenging environment. That's why it's essential to have a solid team to support you. Make it a priority to boost morale and enhance cross-functional teams to create a positive and productive environment.
Check out our blog article on creating a safe space for meeting productivity.
We believe in leadership and teamwork and are committed to promoting mental health in the workplace. The goal is to provide people with the tools they need to be successful. Let us know what you think are qualities of positive & toxic workplace behaviors.