“At its core, culture is about the humanization of a business.” I love this sentiment. Communication truly is key to creating a positive, psychologically safe workplace culture, more than trendy perks like free lunch or massages. For managers and employees alike, being mindful of communication is the best way to support the productivity of others while simultaneously establishing an environment built around openness and clarity. Face-to-face discussions about business functions are fundamental to team building and growth. I agree with Ramakrishnan’s contention that video meetings are essential for remote employees to feel a sense of culture, but the importance of actually speaking to coworkers is just as essential in the office as it is out of it. You can read Ramakrishnan's full piece on communication in the workplace at The Huffington Post.
Preventing Domestic Violence at Work
The University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center
Domestic violence is an issue many people don’t like to discuss. It’s perceived as a “private” problem that should be dealt with inside of the home; however, there are active ways workplaces can and should take a stand against it. The example that the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center is setting is admirable, in the wake of two employee deaths within five months as the result of domestic violence. Like the St. Joseph Medical Center, more workplaces should institute awareness and prevention training programs to help employees support each other. However, around the world, more businesses need to institute policies to help support workers dealing with the fallout of domestic violence by providing paid leave, guarantees against discrimination, and measures to prevent harassment in the workplace itself. The more we can acknowledge and discuss domestic violence, the more we can thwart it – and ensuring that workplaces are psychologically safe for victims could be a key way of helping them. You can get more info on what the St. Joseph Medical Center is up to, and on domestic violence in general, at The Huffington Post.
Photo Credit: University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, via The Huffington Post