Over the past few decades, companies have been changing the way they interact with their staff. Employer-employee relationships affect the overall business operations. For example, Starbucks employees are eligible for benefits as well as discounted prices for purchasing stock in the company. McDonald’s calls its employees “crew members” and Tim Hortons’ workers are known as “team members”. These titles were spawned by design. Some companies implement these designations to show appreciation to the staff; for other businesses, it just reflects the hierarchy within the workplace.
The Hierarchy
For most corporations, it has been a tradition to have a “ranking system” of employment. A typical top-down structure shows the board of directors as the ultimate decision makers, with the chairman as the head. Below them, the chief officers (CEO, CFO, etc.) answer the board regarding any decisions made within the company.
Managers answer their respective chiefs, while the employees answer their managers. If you have made it to an “entry-level position,” you have a long way to go before reaching the” corporate level “at the upper level of the hierarchy.
While this system is often looked at with negativity, it does have some beneficial qualities. For example, if an employee has more experience and positive qualities than his co-workers, promoting this person to a higher position rewards the individual’s talents and contributions. It also motivates other employees to strive further. The hierarchical system may be viewed as negative because it sometimes allows the power to be abused. A higher title usually comes with a more prominent voice regarding business operations. In most companies, the managers are the ones who interview and recruit employees.
In some cases, they might also be responsible for submitting the employee feedback to the regional director. When personal issues get in the way of professionalism, political controversy is created within the business.
Office Politics
Politics can also exist among colleagues in similar positions. This is when the social and political aspects of the workplace collide. The term “office politics” has been thrown around a lot. If you are just recently entering an office environment, I’m sure you will be hearing about this from your fellow co-workers, your friends are those who are giving you advice about what to expect.
The office environment is often competitive because employees are aiming to move up the ladder. Problems occur when there are colleagues who would strive for their goals “at all costs,” even at the expense of others’ emotions and dignity.
Backstabbing, gossiping, manipulation – these are the examples of the extent to which some might go. Do you remember that moment from the episode in season five of Suits when Harvey Specter thought he gained Louis Litt’s trust, only to be backstabbed and voted for suspension? This might be a bit dramatic, but it is definitely a reality.
Office Gossip
Office gossip is unavoidable, especially in big companies. While some say that this is a form of socializing, circulation of negative gossip can create a division and unrest among the employees. In turn, this will affect productivity and chemistry in the workplace. The company will suffer a backlash if the negative gossip is not stopped immediately.
According to Marlene Chism, gossip is a natural human tendency. Work can be sometimes overwhelming for individuals. Gossip might just be one of venting out stress. Although all gossip is damaging, employers should monitor such activity to avoid conflicts.
Social Life in The Office
Many individuals attempt to separate their personal and professional lives. However, it is sometimes inevitable that the two will cross over. In Canada, the idea of “Thursday pub night“ is becoming more popular. This comes from the global employees wanting their co-workers to be their second family. As a result, employees are looking for employees who can relate culturally and provide social satisfaction. If businesses wish to hire young and content employees, they will have to change their operational norms to appeal to the millennials. Most start-up businesses are trying to dispose of the hierarchical concept of the workplace because supervisors are unable to relate to their employees due to their title. Some got rid of the formal dress code and the top-down corporate structure. Instead, they made the workplace into a “team leader” environment.
Each “team” would have its “team leader,” equivalent of a manager. However, employees are not required to just see each other at the office. They are encouraged to plan meetings in cafés, bars, etc. Modern businesses are able to integrate socializing with working.
The Right Balance
While there are positive aspects related to the social and political environment of a business, it seems that one often conflicts with the other. Companies that can balance both will be able to sustain their employees’ happiness, thus increasing productivity in the workplace. Consider Google: at their Googleplex campus, the offices are known to have arcades, massage tables, bowling alleys, and several sports facilities. It is no wonder that Googleplex has been ranked one of the top places to work in the world. Yes, Google has chief officers and directors, but the company also looks out for the welfare of the employees.
As individuals are trying to balance their work and social life, the companies employing them should also find a way to efficiently manage the social and political environment within. These environments will affect the employees’ morale, which in turn will determine the company’s success.
The BLACS Team
