Fostering a Work Community

While it can vary between cultures and locations, our world is often one marked by a lack of connection. In many places, people seldom converse or even acknowledge one another’s existence. And in a post-COVID world, this phenomenon seems to have only worsened. But why? 

One reason is that we have become increasingly accustomed to working with little to no face-to-face contact with others. While this interaction is still certainly possible, it is no longer quite so necessary. Emails, texts, or work management programs have replaced casual in-office conversations. Zoom meetings have usurped the place of conference-room business meetings. 

In some ways, these developments have been helpful. They have offered us more flexibility to carry out work from the comfort of our own homes. These methods of quick communication also mean that some jobs can be finished more efficiently than ever before. 

But with every advancement in the technology we use, there are also drawbacks. 

With the development of more work-from-home friendly systems, we have inadvertently stunted our social skills.

At one time, we would put in the effort to make our appearance presentable and professional. Now, we roll out of bed and enter Zoom meetings in shorts or pajamas. 

At one time, we would do our best to put our best foot forward with our coworkers, treating them respectfully. Now, because of the nature of internet communication, it becomes easier than ever to speak rudely to others. 

One might ask whether the trade-offs are worth the benefits. Maybe, maybe not. But at the end of the day, we simply must come to grips with the fact that this is how life is now. 

But admitting the problems that come with this way of living and working is only the beginning. If we know that communication in the workplace is a problem, we can take steps towards improving the situation. 

Respect

To do this, however, we need to think through what it might mean to improve the quality of communication in our place of work. And the first priority should be the basic human concept of respect. 

If we acknowledge that other people have dignity, then it will radically impact how we treat them. We will begin to care about how we present ourselves—not because appearance is everything, but because it does have an impact on how others perceive us. 

Treating others with respect also means that we will try our hardest to be kind, even when people deserve the opposite. Being kind and patient can go a long way towards establishing a culture of trust. 

Clarity

The second quality that should characterize our work places, whether virtual or in-person, is clear communication. 

Communicating with clarity means that we will try our best to express what we need, want, or think with precision. 

This seems simple enough, but it is often anything but. 

Sometimes, we struggle to know how to say what we want to say. In cases like this, it can be helpful to take some time to think through exactly what you want to communicate. Writing down your thoughts or talking through them with a trusted friend can help you to solidify your scattered ideas. 

Other times, we might be unclear because we are afraid of how others will respond. When this happens, it is important to remember that clarity is always better than confusion when it comes to relationships of any kind—especially work relationships. While you should always remember to be respectful and kind, you should also say what you mean to say and encourage those around you to respond with the same level of clarity. 

Personal Connection

While many people see their workplace as an unfortunate but necessary facet of life, you can help to cultivate an environment that promotes not only respect and clarity in communication, but also personal connection. 

And the best thing about it is that making this personal connection is as simple as can be. It just requires becoming interested in other people—not just as co-workers or business partners, but as people. 

Ask them how they’re doing. Express interest in their personal lives. Offer to help them with whatever they need. 

At first, this might feel awkward or unnatural. But if stepping outside of your comfort zone is the price you have to pay to create a community where real human connection takes place, it is more than worth it.