Talk is cheap if management lets awkward conversation fester in the workplace
The importance of teamwork and a harmonious working environment is often overlooked when it comes to the development and application of human resource strategy in business.
People management specialists at Accys, a national supplier of payroll, HR, Time & Attendance and Access Control solutions, say that awkward conversations at work can quickly spiral out of control and cause discord amongst colleagues, which can have a serious impact on productivity.
Accsys has a well-established reputation in the market for its range of people management solutions. It has strengthened this reputation with the introduction of people-focused services including eLearning and recruitment (Accsys PeoplePlace).
HR specialists at the company have stated that although some decision makers view the team dynamic and impact of awkward conversation as being of minor importance in the grand scheme of things, if left unchecked or uncontrolled, could end up costing the business.
This includes all types of awkward conversation – those that occur between colleagues and between colleagues and management.
“The fact is that in a cost-conscious market, where productivity and efficiency are a must when it comes to operation, dissention caused by the fallout of malicious or unprofessional communication can have devastating consequence,” explains Teryl Schroenn, CEO at Accsys.
Schroenn says that awkward conversations will occur and form part of the natural order of events within a workplace. However, she advises that management step in the moment the communication threatens to destabilise or upset balance within operations.
“Of course, people are all different and we all have our own ways of dealing with pressure. Effective management is a matter of enabling colleagues to sort out any problems without any interference, and step in only if necessary,” adds Schroenn.
“Not every conversation or verbal exchange has to be discussed. It is simply not practical to think that people could be or should be managed at such a micro-level. However, in situations where someone else’s behaviour or performance has an impact on other people, a team, or a client, it is essential that the situation is brought out into the open. All parties will probably learn from the situation – there might simply have been a misunderstanding, or both people will learn how best to communicate effectively,” she continues.
“In a corporate environment, which is typically pressurized, results-driven and competitive, it is necessary to instill respect and professionalism in order to ensure that interaction between people is beneficial and conducive to productivity,” says Schroenn.
For more information, go to http://www.accsys.co.za
