Managing Work Cliques
It is a well-known fact that positive workplace connections can greatly impact how enjoyable one's day at the office can be, as well as how well they perform in their role. However, there is a fine line between healthy workplace relationships and exclusive cliques that can hurt office morale. Addressing workplace cliques in a professional and effective manner is essential in preventing any harmful effects on the overall work environment.
So, what exactly are work cliques? A work clique can be defined as a group of coworkers who spend a significant amount of their time together, both inside and outside of work. These close-knit friendships often lead to the exclusion of other colleagues who may feel left out or marginalized.
There are several reasons why workplace cliques may form. Employees may come together due to shared interests, personality types, length of tenure at the firm, departmental connections, similar life phases, hobbies, religious or political affiliations, or common experiences. These shared bonds can create a sense of comfort and support within the group, making it easier for members to connect and relate to one another.
However, the formation of cliques can have negative consequences for the workplace. Signs of work cliques include employees restricting others from joining, gossiping about colleagues, discouraging dissent, spreading rumors, increased competitiveness, and even bullying. These behaviors can lead to a toxic work environment and have a detrimental impact on overall morale and productivity.
Cliquey workplaces can harm morale and productivity in several ways. Employees who feel isolated or alienated may experience a lack of motivation, leading to decreased productivity levels. Furthermore, spending excessive time within a clique can limit one's exposure to new perspectives, ideas, and collaboration opportunities, hindering innovation and efficiency within the organization. The best teams are diverse, adaptable, and inclusive of different personalities, making it essential to break down cliques in order to foster a more inclusive and productive work environment.
To prevent workplace cliques from forming, there are several strategies that can be implemented. Building mixed teams that encourage employees to work and socialize with individuals from different departments or work levels can help break down barriers and facilitate collaboration. Behaving in a manner that promotes inclusivity and diversity, such as spending time with a variety of coworkers and seeking feedback from different groups, can also help combat cliques.
Additionally, meeting with clique members to discuss their behavior and its impact on others can be a productive approach. By fostering open and honest communication, cliques may become more aware of their exclusionary tendencies and work towards being more inclusive. It is also important to maintain non-work interactions with colleagues outside of cliques, as this can help foster a sense of value and inclusion among all team members.
Examining and reinforcing the company's values, such as collaboration and togetherness, throughout the office can also send a powerful message about the importance of inclusivity. By implementing social events and mentoring programs that encourage cross-group interactions, organizations can promote a culture of diversity and teamwork that breaks down cliques and fosters a more inclusive work environment.
Finally, it is essential to enforce corporate policies that address workplace cliques and other exclusionary behaviors. Disciplining employees who engage in cliquish behaviors according to the company's handbook can help create a more equitable and respectful work environment for all staff members.
By actively addressing and managing work cliques, organizations can create a more inclusive, productive, and positive work environment that benefits all employees. Through fostering open communication, diversity, and a culture of collaboration, workplaces can break down cliques and create a more welcoming and supportive atmosphere for everyone.