The workplace is a social labyrinth without a perfect map. A place where many different types of people are brought together and required to work together to achieve common goals. While managing onea��s workplace, although relationships might theoretically seem simple, they often never are. Ideology, personal experience, competency, and competition all factor into how we relate to other professionals in the workplace, and when we get along with the people we work with, it can boost our productivity, quell stress, and make the workplace an enjoyable environment. When workplace relationships are nonexistent or bitter, they can make going to work every day unendurable, and for many people, this is in fact the case.
A Gallop Management Journal article written in 2004, concluded that up to 74 percent of employees in the United States of America identified themselves as either not engaged or actively disengaged. They also concluded that this results in an estimated $300 billion in annual losses. It is most certain that an employeea��s attitude towards his or her work, peers, and supervisors has a significant effect on employee efficiency. So what factors create a positive work environment?
Firstly, the nature of the work itself must allow employees the time to form relationships with one another. It is no surprise that people dona��t develop relationships working in fast- paced,low paying service and manufacturing jobs. As the Gallop article also mentions, the majority of employees who are engaged report that they have close friendships at work and that they have a close relationship with their supervisor(s).
Secondly, if an employee views their job or career as a�?dead enda�?, there is very little reason for them to push themselves, or even perform competently. This is often caused by the absence or sparseness of promotion opportunities and on the job training, but it also has to do with how a supervisor or co-worker interacts with employees. Supervisors who are subject to unproductive employees do very little to build relationships with them. Their employees get the impression that the workplace is a revolving door, and then as a result of decreased performance, it may very well become one.
In the dental field, there are plenty of advancement opportunities available. The specialization required to operate a practice or work in a hospital demands cooperation, which puts dental hygienists for example, in a good position to form positive and lasting workplace relationships. The keys to positive relationships are communication, tolerance, and a positive attitude. If a conflict arises, it is important to try to resolve it directly, considerately, and with self-reflection. Who knows-you may actually be part of the problem. Nine times out of ten though, conflicts are the result of miscommunication or assumption. Be open to the possibility that whoever has offended you might not realize it. If direct resolution fails, seek the support of a supervisor who can give you guidance.
Most people have experienced an unpleasant or uninspiring work environment at one time or another, but most problems are not without causes–and not without solutions. By being honest, considerate, friendly, and communicative, you can do your part to ensure a positive workplace-this is where the energy should be!! Don’t you agree?
