Are you greeting people in the workplace?
Workspaces have evolved over the last 20 years. Open plan offices have been adopted replacing high walled petitioned cubicles with reservation of separate offices for leaders within some organisations. While co-working spaces were endorsed for their collaborative advantages, the use of technology has impacted how people interact in these spaces. Team members may choose to email an enquiry to an associate instead of verbally asking a question to avoid disturbing them despite the proximity of their desks. Many office workers also complete tasks wearing air pods or headphones to listen to podcasts, sport or their favourite music to mask background noise or for personal entertainment. However, when communication with a colleague requires removal of a device it can present an interruption and possibly discourage verbal interactions within a work environment.
Communication is essential to building culture but if we are all tuned out are we missing opportunities to establish positive working relationships?
How do we encourage inclusion in the work environment when so much of our work is completed digitally?
One powerful way to maintain and establish rapport with others is through daily greetings. A friendly, engaging work environment is one where its employees are welcomed by their associates and leaders in ways other than emails and team notifications. It is important that we acknowledge people when they arrive or leave work and when we pass them in the corridor at work. This courteous interaction makes people feel valued, seen and respected. Workplaces are busy however neglecting to integrate greetings into workplace routines will impact culture, employee’s morale and the atmosphere of the work environment.
What represents an authentic greeting?
A respectful welcome greeting should be genuine, involve a pleasant smile, eye contact and a verbal response acknowledging the other person’s presence when appropriate. A greeting may be verbal and or nonverbal. When greeting a colleague inclusion of their name makes the exchange more personal. Greetings may also be formal or informal depending on the setting.
If you frequently respond to a greeting from a colleague with a simple head nod, no eye contact or physical expression as you continue working it may indicate a lack of care or interest and influences culture in the workplace.
Leaders are required to demonstrate appropriate greetings to all staff and their power to create inclusion within a work environment. A greeting may be directed to an individual or group of people depending on the context. When addressing a group an exchange such as “Good morning, everyone – thank you for attending today’s meeting!” can set a positive tone and foster inclusiveness. A leader who disregards certain employees and addresses only senior staff suggests to other team members that they lack value or significance. Irrespective of an employee’s role within an organisation everyone should be greeted to demonstrate respect and worth.
What can you do?
To evaluate your approachability in a work environment, consider how you greet others in the workplace and what if any changes you can implement to improve your interaction with others. Reflect on the questions below to guide your evaluation.
- Do you greet colleagues with a friendly, “Good morning” or “Hello” when they arrive at work?
- What does the tone of your voice suggest when greeting someone?
- What message does your body language convey when you greet others?
- Do you as appropriate provide positive comments when greeting colleagues? “Good morning, Charlie! All the best with your proposal today!”
- Can you momentarily pause work when appropriate to respectively engage with others as they arrive at work?
- Can you delay personal headphone use on arrival at work to ensure you remain tuned in to your work environment to warmly greet others?
If you feel your organisation requires assistance improving culture and communication amongst employees, contact our Communication Adviser, Nichola D’Paul at Munro Noon Business Advisers to discuss options available to target areas of concern.