When individuals are part of thriving workplace communities, they are more likely to work smart and hard and to have healthy relationships with their colleagues and clients. In today’s blog from The Institute of Respect, we’ll cover the tenets of creating and sustaining a healthy business community by developing positive community norms, and learn why it’s so essential in today’s world.

Developing our social and emotional skill sets go a long way toward creating a healthy work community because they protect our assets and empower us to grow in new ways. Often this means being flexible in our perspective and open to change. Renewal is a vital component of healthy communities so an attitude of flexibility can help keep workplaces vibrant and hardworking. No matter the changes that come your way, there are ways to mindfully integrate them into the balance of your workplace.

Start to cultivate a healthier workplace community by bringing awareness to your words and actions. Do they isolate others or separate you from anything? If you find that they do, try to refocus your communication and thoughts on community and acceptance. Try to let go of the judgments you are making internally and focus on the bigger picture.

Many people feel like they’re too busy to engage in any meaningful communities. Between our electronic gadgets, our families, long commutes, and professional life, it can be easy to feel disconnected from the people around us. Research tells us that social support and a sense of belonging can drastically improve your daily happiness and motivation levels, and even boost your physical health. Connection to one another on a professional level gives people the comfort of knowing that they are not isolated and that others are going through similar experiences as they are. It’s comforting to know that you are part of a whole. Even when there are differences between people, they can be discussed and accepted peacefully. Reaching out and forging a new connection with someone can be as simple as initiating a conversation with a colleague or inviting them to join you for lunch. Cultivating community in your workplace will support the health of the individuals working there, as well as the performance and quality of the work.

Workplace Values to Reinforce

• Integrity
• Cultural humility
• Ability to set boundaries
• A sense of purpose
• A favorable view of the future
• Interpersonal competence
• Constructive use of time
• Positive identity
• Clear communication
• Respect
• Accepting differences
• Health and wellness

Why choose Institute of Respect?
The services Dennis Morris offers draw on his 30 years of experience helping clients cultivate and strengthen trust – as a psychotherapist, senior leader, executive coach, mediator and educator. What sets him apart from other consultants is his expertise as a therapist and VP of Clinical Programs in behavioral health before becoming an executive coach and consultant.
Clients appreciate the professionalism he brings to the table, derived from the combination of his clinical background and his business consulting experience in corporate, academic and nonprofit arenas. For a complete bio, visit www.instituteofrespect.com.