A big part of running a successful company is having solid policies in place. Workplace interpersonal relationships in particular need to be subject to certain rules if business operations are to run smoothly.
How do you have policies relevant to interpersonal relationships in the workplace? Here are 3 examples for you.
Conflict Resolution Pathways
Nobody really wants workplace drama and so a solid conflict resolution policy is like having a map to navigate through differences, making sure everyone talks it out and settles things fair and square.
You want to lay down a step-by-step plan, starting with directives like people directly talking things out. If that’s a dead-end, a great next step directive can be getting a mediator on the scene. Then, stress the need for keeping things hush-hush to build trust in the process.
Say two team members are battling over project priorities but your conflict resolution policy is at the back of their minds so that they know to have a face-to-face first; then if that doesn’t cut it let in a mediator to help them hash it out.
All done without wrecking the team spirit.
Social Interaction Balance
Mixing work and play is cool, but you don’t want it getting too comfy. A social interaction balance policy means everyone knows when to chill and when to keep it professional so that there are a lot less awkward, uncomfortable, triggering situations.
You want to spell out the dos and don’ts for socializing at work, like saving the deep convos for after hours so that colleague A knows to show off her vintage engagement ring after work is done.
For example, your team goes to a laid-back company event and your social interaction balance policy guides them with gems like – keep it friendly, avoid touchy topics, have a blast without killing the professional vibe, etc.
It’s all about team bonding without crossing any lines.
Digital Etiquette
When it comes to online chats and work emails, you really want clear rules. Having a digital etiquette policy means everyone knows how to keep it professional, avoiding any misunderstandings and making the workplace positive.
You want to set out some easy-to-follow guidelines about emails, chat talk, and video calls; tell your team to keep it short and sweet, steer clear of too many emojis, and maybe even throw in a digital communication workshop so that they know things like when to reply.
For example – an important project update drops in your team chat and your digital etiquette policy kicks in, telling your crew to hit that acknowledgment button, respond with a clear message, and save non-urgent chit-chats for private channels.
Like any relationship, workplace relationships should be regulated so that the right boundaries are enforced. Consider these tips for your company policies on interpersonal workplace relationships.
