Wellbeing Wednesday: The Lost Art of Workplace Civility

In the modern workplace, the clock ticks faster, the deadlines loom larger, and the inboxes fill quicker than ever before. As we collectively pedal the hamster wheel of productivity, it seems that the very essence of what makes us human—politeness, kindness, and a genuine concern for our colleagues’ wellbeing—has been left in the dust. Channel Eye’s latest piece, “Wellbeing Wednesday: (Effectively) recognising people at work,” serves as a timely reminder of the importance of these values.

The Price of ‘Busyness’

It’s a common sight in offices across Jersey and beyond: furrowed brows, hurried lunches, and the ubiquitous “I’m too busy” refrain. But at what cost does this culture of perpetual busyness come? As we chase the ever-elusive goal of peak efficiency, we often overlook the simple acts of recognition and appreciation that can transform a workplace from a mere place of employment to a community of support and encouragement.

Recognition: More Than Just a Pat on the Back

Recognition in the workplace goes beyond the occasional ‘Employee of the Month’ award or a cursory “good job” email. It’s about acknowledging the individual efforts that each team member contributes to the collective success. It’s about understanding that behind every report, presentation, or project, there’s a person who needs to feel seen and valued.

Why Recognition Matters

Studies have shown that when employees feel recognised, their job satisfaction, productivity, and loyalty to the company increase. Moreover, a culture of recognition can lead to a more positive work environment, lower turnover rates, and even better customer service. In short, when we take the time to genuinely acknowledge our colleagues, everybody wins.

Implementing Effective Recognition Strategies

So, how do we go about weaving recognition into the fabric of our daily work lives? It starts with leadership. Managers and team leaders must set the tone by regularly and sincerely acknowledging the contributions of their staff. But it doesn’t end there. Recognition should be a 360-degree endeavour, where employees at all levels are encouraged to express gratitude and appreciation for one another.

Best Practices for Workplace Recognition

• Personalise your praise: Generic compliments are easily forgotten. Tailor your recognition to the individual and the specific achievement.
• Be timely: Don’t wait for the annual review to tell someone they’ve done well. Do it now.
• Make it public: Celebrating successes in a team meeting or company newsletter can magnify the positive impact.
• Encourage peer-to-peer recognition: Create channels for employees to celebrate each other’s accomplishments.
• Link recognition to company values: Reinforce the behaviours and attitudes you want to see in your organisation.

The NSFW Perspective

Here at NSFW, we understand that the Channel Islands’ work ethic is as robust as the granite that forms our shores. But let’s not allow our drive for success to erode the bedrock of workplace civility. As we navigate the choppy waters of international news and local events, let’s not forget that the small acts of kindness and recognition are what keep the ship afloat.

Whether it’s a well-timed compliment, a thoughtful gesture, or a public acknowledgment of a job well done, these moments of recognition are the lifeblood of a healthy workplace culture. And while the world may not slow down for us, we can certainly take a moment to ensure that no one feels like just another cog in the machine.

In the end, it’s not just about being nice for niceness’ sake. It’s about building a workplace where people don’t just survive but thrive. It’s about creating an environment where the wellbeing of every employee is not just a strategy but a priority. And that, dear readers, is something worth recognising every day of the week, not just on Wellbeing Wednesday.

So, let’s roll up our sleeves, Jersey. It’s time to bring civility back to the workplace, one genuine “thank you” at a time. After all, in the grand scheme of things, it’s the people that make the place. And that’s a recognition that’s always in season.