Appropriate Behaviour In The Workplace
The key to any productive workplace is having appropriate behaviour in the workplace and ensuring that appropriate behaviours are reinforced. This can be done by:
Employees play an important part in developing positive workplace culture and making sure appropriate Behaviour is enforced. This can be done by: informing your manager or supervisor when you feel stressed out. Speaking openly to them when a specific behaviour has offended others. This will help to create a positive working environment where employees can feel supported rather than challenged.
It is important to remember there are two sides to every story, and sometimes an inappropriate behaviour can be misunderstood to be sexual harassment. In the conference room this can be tricky, as everyone sitting in the room is there to improve working relationships and understand each other's expectations. Confidentiality is also an important issue in the conference room is not a suitable place for jokes about sexual harassment.
Effective communication is another vital part of building a positive working environment, and staff must be encouraged to speak up and report any issues they have faced or problems they have encountered. By reporting problems, colleagues can feel that they are not being ignored and can work together to build a positive working environment. A supportive and positive environment encourages openness and innovation. By encouraging open and clear communication in the workplace, staff will feel more confident in tackling challenges and problems within the workplace and can carry on working in a constructive and positive manner.
It is important to be aware that there are different types of sexual harassment. Harassment can include offensive verbal conduct, persistent pursuit of sexual interests, physical contact, requiring nudity or physical contact in order to fulfill a need, etc. If any employee feels that any of these behaviours has taken place in the workplace, they must report it to their manager or someone else who can take action to protect them. If it is discovered that the behaviour in question is occurring, an appropriate behaviour guideline will be issued to all employees, as well as a sexual harassment policy which outline the behaviour that are acceptable and those that are not. This policy should be clearly stated in the company canteen and promoted where staff are required to sign it.
Another type of sexual harassment is unwanted sexual advances or propositions. It is important for employees to know that if this is happening it is inappropriate and reports to management. There are different ways to tell a colleague that a colleague is putting their foot in their mouth and that unwelcome behaviours should not be tolerated. One of the behaviours is to look the person up and down. Other behaviours include shaking hands, touching the shoulder or back, and making an unwanted sexual advance.
Some people feel that it is acceptable to use humour to diffuse situations when appropriate behaviour in the workplace is not displayed. For example, if a colleague makes a joke about another colleague's outfit or appearance, it is acceptable to intersperse with other jokes that are not degrading or offensive. A much better approach would be to make the joke yourself and then ask the colleague if he wants to hear you tell it again. This type of joke is not necessarily about another colleague but a way of showing that the company is more than just the job title. Similarly, telling jokes or humorous stories during company breaks is also a positive social behavior and appropriate behaviour.
The aim of positive behaviour support is to create a safe, open and non-abusive work environment. Staff can be encouraged to talk about any problems or concerns in a confident and supportive manner which will help build their skills and encourage staff engagement. Positive behaviour allows staff to make informed decisions in a clear and forthright manner. Any form of unwanted behaviour should be reported immediately. An open and honest working environment is essential for good employee satisfaction.