Worker Chatter is Good for Business
January 23rd, 2008By Susan Iskiwitch
The Associated Press recently published a story about friendly non-business-related chatter in the workplace. At one point, the article states: “The camaraderie that comes out of workers sharing a little fun, meanwhile, can go a long way toward their feeling like they’re part of a team. It’s well known that when staffers are happy, they work better.” Opponents of workplace chatter worry that an inappropriate conversation can sometimes make workers feel the workplace is a hostile environment.
At Standing Partnership, Cathy has “fostered a positive, collaborative environment.” This means feeling comfortable sharing our perspectives on topics beyond just public relations. When there’s a concern, we address it as a team so that we can all learn and move forward (often at our monthly staff meetings that Mistie recently posted about).
What do you think, should a business be just that, business? Or is there room for friendly colleague banter? How much is too much?
January 27th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Friendly (and unfriendly) work place banter happens in all companies. Heck, I’m sure it happens in the Secret Service. (Oh shock!) The key is encouraging constructive things to happen in that chit chat or focusing a negative approach about it, and thus encouraging folks to have negative chit chat.
One thing companies do is attempt, by way of cubes etc, is to discourage chit chat. Also, there is the patrolling boss. The one that has to come by several times a day, for no particular reason. Then of course there are the rules about safe topics and such, and the discouragement towards any negative thoughts expressed out loud.
What that masks is the fear of honest communication, and to me, an unwillingness to engage in honest communication with the employees.
Maybe I’m a bit heavy handed but I don’t believe I’m far off the mark. I say better to encourage team building through open and comfortable conversation. People will then be more relaxed and able to focus on the tasks in front of them. You can always get rid of or relocate habitual nonworkers anyway.