Everyone is sick of hearing about the pandemic. However, the COVID era has significantly altered how people interact with one another and navigate densely populated spaces, such as the company's office.
As a result, managers have had to rethink the (mostly) unwritten rules of office behavior in order to ensure that they still apply in a changing world.
As a leader, you must set a good example and foster an environment of honesty and respect. Here are some pointers to help you and your team navigate the most difficult interpersonal issues confronting the workplace today.
1People's physical boundaries must be respected
When speaking to someone, most adults instinctively know where to stand. You lean in close at a noisy cocktail party or restaurant and retreat to about a foot and a half in the office.
However, in the COVID era, a foot and a half is too short for some people. Don't be offended if someone steps back, and don't try to bridge the gap. If you are feeling awkward (or suspect that the other person is), say something like, "Are you more comfortable if we stand a little farther apart?" and suggest that your staff do the same.
Approach greetings in the office with the same openness and consideration. Shake hands, bump elbows or fists, or simply nod and say hello? One way to break the ice is to say, "Shall we shake hands?" Another option is to smile and say, "Hello, I'm not shaking your hand these days, but it's great to see you." Alternatively, give an immediate elbow or fist bump.
Your team members will appreciate you taking the initiative on this, especially if you welcome clients and customers into the office.
2Dispel mask-wearing debates
Mask-wearing has become a political hot topic in some circles, but politics has no place in the workplace. Indeed, the most significant impediment to good office etiquette is a "us versus them" mentality.
As a result, avoid making distinctions between "maskers" and "non-maskers." If an employee continues to single out people, take them aside and ask how they'd feel if others were making comments about their personal healthcare choices.
Furthermore, ensure that your team understands that company safety protocol always takes precedence over office etiquette. If your company requires masks to be worn in the event of a new COVID outbreak, failure to comply is a violation of company policy, not a political statement.
Consider allowing those who have strong aversions to wear masks to work from home, just as you would for people who have a religious or other mask-wearing exemption.
3Don't let vaccination status become a source of contention
When it comes to vaccination status, feelings about mask-wearing can reach new heights. But don't assume your team is at odds on this point. For example, as mandated by federal law, your company may require employees to be vaccinated.
Even if this isn't the case, your team may have (consciously or unconsciously) adopted a policy of not inquiring about others' vaccination status, requiring little or no intervention from you.
However, because there is no legal reason why employees cannot inquire about a coworker's vaccination status, it is likely that some will. If the question is asked and there are no repercussions, consider it a learning experience for the asker and move on.
However, if vaccine-related questions persist and become hostile, you must intervene quickly and remind those involved of your company's bullying and harassment policies.
4Don't overestimate the new normal's impact
The more things change, the more they remain the same, as the old adage goes. So, while adapting your behavior to the COVID era is critical, it won't matter if you ignore basic rules of good manners and respect. Here are some ways to set a good example, whether you have COVID or not:
Keep gossip at bay. Send a clear message to your team that you will not participate in rumor-spreading and that you disapprove of anyone who does.
Communicate with class. No matter how relaxed you are with your team or how casual your office is, keep your language clean. Make sure you know how to properly pronounce the names of your employees and customers.
When employing humor, sarcasm, irony, puns, and wordplay, keep your audience in mind. And, while others are speaking, avoid being distracted by phone calls, emails, texts, or side conversations.
Show consideration for downtime. By demonstrating your own work-life balance, you can be a better boss. Maintain reasonable business hours and ensure that your employees do the same. Avoid late-night phone calls and emails unless it is an emergency, and don't expect anyone to respond after hours.
Finally, give yourself some leeway and encourage your team members to do the same. You're only human, and making mistakes isn't the end of the world. Show your employers that you take responsibility for your mistakes and strive to learn from them. Others will follow you if you lead with integrity.
Read also: How to respond to "why do you want to work here"
https://boostlane.com/p/dickensomollo/3437093/how-to-respond-to-the-question-%22why-do-you-want-to-work-here-%22/
