Creating A Better Workplace Community

Our focus this week is on creating a better community, in both your workplace and beyond. While creating change in the world at large is an important task to tackle, today we’re turning inward for our first steps towards creating a better workplace community. Since you spend eight hours at your job every day, contributing to your community there is one surefire way to fuel you for whatever endeavors the world throws your way, as well as making a great impression on your employers. Check out what these experts have to say on ways to make your workplace not just a place you work but a community.

Gabrielle Garon from TopResume’s top tip is to “Show up … It means more than physically attending work. Clocking in, clocking out, will not generate workplace happiness and a positive workplace. You need to be present … Showing up means being open to the now and in the zone to process information without distilling it through the lens of the past or future. This act will help others lean in to what you’re doing and encourage them to do the same.” While this will also contribute to your own personal success, make sure you are also attuned to the successes of others as a further way to stay connected to present happenings in your professional community. Active listening is another way to show up for your co-workers. Make sure you are actively engaging in conversation with your colleagues rather than simply waiting for your turn to express your own opinions. A great way to practice active listening is by repeating back what it is that you’ve heard so that your co-worker knows you’ve understood what it is they’ve said. You can also ask clarifying questions about any point they’ve made that you may not understand. Working together as a team with clear communication will enable everyone to work towards creating a better workplace community.

Veronique James, in conversation with the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, offers up this framework for creating a positive workplace culture: “There are only opportunities in business, not problems. When emotions are high and stress levels skyrocket, even the smallest workplace issues can seem like towering boulders. I tell my team that what we’re experiencing isn’t a problem; it’s an opportunity to reflect, analyze and evaluate so that next time–and there’s always a next time–we’ll do better. Also, I try to find irony or humor in every situation.” While we know that you’re a serious professional, taking a moment to lighten the mood is something both you and your colleagues will appreciate. A simple act like laughing will create a bond that lasts beyond the moment. We also love the way this suggestion highlights an opportunity to practice positivity within your workplace. The act of smiling itself, no matter how you’re feeling on the inside, has been shown to boost moods. So, let yourself have a bit of a laugh at work. Your ability to proceed in an upbeat manner will help serve as an inspiration to everyone around you.

Much like how airlines advise putting on your air mask before assisting others, starting out closer to you by creating a better workplace community will prepare you to look beyond your office walls and figure out ways to effect change in the world. The best part? Building community means you won’t have to do it alone. So make sure to remain mindful and present while you’re interacting with your co-workers and employers. And remember that each challenge you encounter along the way, professionally or otherwise, also offers up ample opportunities to learn and grow. Check back throughout this week for even more ways to stay connected to those working alongside you.

Image retrieved from Pixabay under the public domain.

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