If you're looking to boost performance and creativity in your company, the last thing you need is a hostile work environment. Having employees be civil, cordial, even nice to eachother is a sure way to get things accomplished and accomplished well.
The Wall Street Journal recently published a few pointers for keeping the peace in the office – according to Christine Porath of Georgetown's McDonough School of Business.
Firstly, Porath mentions the 10/5 Rule. In the presence of co-workers: Within 10 feet, acknowledge the person, and within 5 feet say hello. That means no running in the opposite direction, not walking with your phone in front of your face, and not completely ignoring the person you pass. Yes, saying hello to collegeaues and flashing a smile are the latest bullet points on employees' to do lists.
Porath's other pointers include addressing performance or other issues in private, and avoiding criticizing people behind their backs. It's best for managers to never say or write anything they wouldn't be proud to sign.
Respecting privacy is common knowledge. But saying hello and acknowledging other employees – may seem like such a simple task, it gets overlooked. According to a study by Georgetown University and Thunderbird School of Global Management of almost 3,000 participants, 50% of workers felt they were treated rudely at least once a week in 2011. Public relations firms in 2013 concluded that 26% of employees who believe they are treated uncivilly leave their jobs to find work elsewhere.
Can you believe smiling at someone could promote job retention? It's true.
So brighten those pearly whites, lift up your head – and flash a smile, a hello, or a simple wave to your fellow co-workers. It'll make both your days.