Does your company embrace hostility?

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 If you are in some form of leadership (CEO, Director, Management, etc.), can you honestly answer this question? It's been shown that one in five workers in the USA are exposed to a hostile work environment. As we proceed to take a look at the impact on employees and volunteers, we will find this act occurs more than it should. 

 Let's define the word hostile, to be on the same page. Hostile is the act of one being aggressive, antagonistic, confrontational, unfriendly, and could be seen as a unsympathetic individual. As we define the word hostile, we can move forward with a clear picture of what this may look like in the work environment. Often times, such an act is overlooked, portrayed to be something else less than, and not immediately addressed and for some at all. 

Unfortunately, one could experience the impact and/or reaction to such an act when working alongside a hostile individual or group. If it's any form of leadership to employee or employee to employee - this could be detrimental to the mission/vision/goals of the organization, if not addressed or handled. This is one of the many reasons an organization should have an HR (Human Resource) team, department, or agency with an unbias eye to assist in such a matter. With the attempt to avoid or dismiss an hostile act could cost the agency in many ways- legally, an undesired workplace, distraction, and decrease in employee work performance.

As a matter of fact, here are some (not all) signs that you or someone you know maybe in a hostile work environment. Just to name a few: 

1. Sexual advances (unwelcomed)
2. Discrimination (being bias) against others- gender, race, culture, etc.
3. Afraid to communicate or professionally express yourself to your leadership.
4. Victimization. Being the front of insensitive jokes (office, watercooler).
5. Threats/Complaints- you're constantly threatening to be punished and personal matters/details are involved.
6. Feeling miserable with the thought of your work environment or when you're on your way to work.

Although, there's a few organizations led by some exemplary leaders who are true examples with a well-rounded leadership background and motives, we have many that are not quite there. However, this leaves us the opportunity to help provide assistance in getting better. If you note that your organization may have some of these issues, it's ok. The first step is to identify the problem. There's several ways, tips, and steps to approach this challenge within your organization.

If you would like to improve your turnover rates, promote teamwork, and build internal capacity throughout your organization, please see Q-Performance & Associates International contact us and let's discuss next steps. Don't embrace hostility, let's embrace cordiality. 

Together, let's UNINSTALL hostility in the workplace!