The Rise of Cyberbullying in the Workplace
Most of us recognize bullying when we see it. As something we first encountered on the playground, in locker rooms, or school hallways, we often...
3 min read
Sheldon Kennedy
:
June 5, 2024
Cultivating a respectful workplace culture requires a comprehensive approach to create lasting change. At Respect Group Inc., workplace training is just one piece of the puzzle. We also facilitate group discussions on bullying, harassment, and discrimination to better connect with employees, boost engagement, and foster respect.
Let’s explore the benefits of these conversations and best practices for success.
The Value of Group Discussions on Sensitive Topics
As organizational leaders, we should engage groups of employees in conversations about critical topics like harassment, bullying, and respect for several key reasons.
Fostering Open Communication
Group discussions allow employees to voice their concerns, experiences, and ideas. This openness can help identify issues early on so your team can address them.
Promoting Shared Understanding
Bringing diverse employees together creates a setting for exchanging different perspectives. This can cultivate mutual understanding and empathy around sensitive workplace dynamics.
Strengthening Workplace Culture
Constructive conversations about respect and inclusion show that your organization values these principles. This can enhance employee engagement, job satisfaction, and commitment to your organization's mission.
Improving Safety Outcomes
Research shows a strong link between employee engagement and improved safety performance. Engaged workers are more likely to report hazards and participate in safety initiatives.
Addressing Real-World Issues
Discussing societal issues like the Black Lives Matter movement and protests against Drag Queen story hours helps employees navigate these pressures. One of our partners, a municipality, highlights how these conversations can reduce stress and provide strategies for coping with external impacts on employees’ work lives.
How to Create a Constructive Group Process
Leaders and participants need specific skills to ensure these discussions are productive and respectful.
Required skills include:
Standards to uphold include:
Bridging the Generational Gap
One challenge we often hear from partners is managing generational differences. Younger employees typically have higher expectations for respect and are more likely to raise concerns. Implementing an open-door policy, taking concerns seriously, and having honest conversations can foster authenticity and transparency.
Different generations also have varied communication preferences. Younger generations might prefer digital communication, while older generations value face-to-face conversations. Adapting your communication style or medium can help bridge these gaps. Be willing to consider different viewpoints and understand that each generation has unique experiences and values.
Encourage interactions between age groups to facilitate learning from each other's perspectives. Be patient and promote patience within your team, allowing everyone the time to express themselves fully.
Overcoming Employee Skepticism
Some employees may be skeptical or afraid to discuss sensitive topics like harassment and bullying. The following strategies can help address these concerns and promote psychological safety.
Lead by Example
Modelling vulnerability, empathy, and a genuine commitment to change can inspire trust and participation.
Start Small
Begin with casual, low-stakes discussions before scaling up to larger sessions.
Provide Anonymity
Anonymous feedback channels can serve as a precursor to in-person meetings as they encourage more candid input, especially on tricky topics. Organizations we work with use anonymous employee surveys with open-ended questions to understand what’s happening in their culture.
Emphasize Outcomes
Communicating how the conversations will lead to real improvements can motivate employees to engage.
Recognizing and Addressing Red Flags
Throughout the process, be aware of these potential red flags that could derail conversations:
Enriching Workplace Culture Beyond Critical Topics
Having difficult conversations about bullying and harassment is crucial for fostering greater respect in the workplace. Beyond addressing these critical issues, the skills required for these discussions, like active listening and facilitation, enhance organizational communication overall.
These discussions also boost collaboration. The ability to navigate conflicts constructively strengthens teamwork and problem-solving. An organizational culture built on open dialogue and mutual understanding is better equipped to respond to change and challenges.
Lastly, promoting an engaged culture and leadership can drive industry-wide change. One of our corporate partners has successfully advanced the national conversation on the need for education and cultural transformation within their industry's work environment.
By navigating these critical conversations with skill and care, you can foster a workplace culture of trust, respect, and safety. Ultimately, the open dialogue benefits both your employees and the entire organization.
Related Resources
Get to know the authors – Sheldon Kennedy
Most of us recognize bullying when we see it. As something we first encountered on the playground, in locker rooms, or school hallways, we often...
As leaders, we’d like to think we left bullying behind in our childhood playground. Yet the truth is not so reassuring; a recent workplace survey...
3 min read
Unfortunately, good things don’t always come in small packages. If you’re not already familiar with the relatively recent buzzword, microaggressions,...