Kelsey Hargreaves, Technical Specialist at BICSc, reports.
The BICSc team has spoken many times about respecting colleagues within the workplace. I thought the final thing that we needed to address was the subconscious 'politics' we may have adopted or are guilty of in the workplace and how we can change that.
The sad reality is, that for many, the idea of a manager saying ‘good morning’ to them is novel, the involvement of staff at all levels being included in the ‘Christmas party’, or when we attend industry events – are we sure that all colleagues in our workplace are even aware of what is going on?
Before working at BICSc, I, like many others, had unfortunately been a part of this cycle. Unaware of who the 'top dogs' were, completely unaware of awards and exhibitions, and you best believe that ‘the tea round’ somehow always became part of every ‘pre-managerial’ job I have had.
Does anyone deserve to be treated like they are less than anyone else? Why don’t we just try and change things?
I’ve always been a big believer in small changes creating the biggest impact. So, let’s look at 8 'butterfly effect' actions we can make in the workplace to ensure that it remains a ‘politically toxic-free’ zone.
1. Integrity: As an industry, we are sadly used to being viewed from the outside as 'non-attractive' or not 'key'. So, it becomes very sad when we inadvertently treat colleagues the same way. Think about every small action you can do to help ensure that you practice what you preach!
2. Transparency: Be as transparent as you legally can be. Been to an exhibition or putting the company up for an award? Tell your colleagues! We are kept up to date with the changes to our industry through industry media, networking, and cleaning shows – are we distilling this out to everyone?
3. Reliance - guidance from other members of staff: Can your colleagues rely on you? Or even better, do you think that they think they can? If there was a problem that they faced, would they come to you – if company policy didn’t dictate that they did?
4. Legal compliance: Many workers within the industry are not aware of the legal compliance that their companies must adhere to, therefore, they may not be sure they are being treated legally by their employer. Are we all aware of HSE regulations? Is there more we can do to keep our workforce safe?
5. Equity and equality: Speaks for itself really! What impacts the way we treat others? Do we give the same time and attention to those in different positions on the hierarchal ladder?
6. Independence: There are ways to manage a team without taking a person’s independence. If we inspire independence, we inspire accountability.
7. Security: Unfortunately, gossip doesn’t just exist in the playgrounds, it can be rife in all places – with businesses being no exception. Sharing details of people’s personal lives can be the most devastating demotivator to a person – it’s simple really – if we don’t do it, it doesn’t happen! I’m lucky enough now to work in a place where respect is the same for all levels, and titles aren’t there to remind us of who is higher or lower, but what someone does. In my organisation, I know everyone by name, I know their likes, their dislikes, and despite being a hybrid worker, I know what everyone’s drink is on the tea round, as does the cleaning operative, the managing director, and the commercial director.
8. Make the cup of tea: it’s not too difficult! “Two sugars or one?" "None for me thanks, I’m sweet enough.”
www.bics.org.uk
About the contributor
Kelsey Hargreaves
Assistant Technical Specialist
BICSc