#10 Ways to Help Employees Overcome Workplace Politics

Office politics, often viewed as an unavoidable part of the business landscape, can quickly transform a workplace into a toxic and unproductive environment. To counter this, proactive employers should establish clear guidelines and a culture that discourages unhealthy workplace behavior. 

We've implemented a framework to curb negative behavior and create an environment that encourages collaboration and productivity. In this article, Aniday will share 10 ways to help employees overcome workplace politics and a healthy workplace for our employees.

1. Be Transparent and Promote Open Communication

Transparency and open communication are essential components for building trust and reducing office politics. Clearly defined goals and objectives set by management reduce opportunities for internal politics. Verified First, for instance, holds weekly meetings where updates on key metrics, objectives, and addressing concerns are openly discussed. 

Transparency in decision-making is also vital, as exemplified when our General Manager addressed a sensitive topic - a compensation structure change - head-on during one such meeting. By explaining the rationale behind the change, setting clear expectations, and maintaining open communication, we discouraged gossip and negativity.

2. Have Buy-In on Company Policies and Standards from Everyone, Especially Management

When staff aren't aligned with company policies and management decisions, it provides room for employees to exploit disunity. Employees may seek ways to circumvent policies by approaching different members of the organization. To combat this, it's crucial to ensure that everyone, from entry-level employees to management, understands and consistently applies company policies. 

Regular training sessions and coaching can help in achieving this unity, as our HR Manager provides ongoing training and our General Manager instructs managers on coaching team members.

3. Encourage Employees to Develop a Mindset Focused on Self-Accountability

Office politics often stems from jealousy, the perception of gaining an advantage, or simply boredom. Encouraging employees to be self-accountable can change the dynamic within the organization. 

When employees focus on self-improvement and hold themselves accountable to the company's standards, they are less likely to engage in divisive behavior. This mindset shift reduces the "us vs. them" dynamic and the associated conflicts, fostering a more harmonious workplace.

4. Coach Employees with Empathy, But Always Hold the Line with Company Standards

When addressing unhealthy behavior, it's essential to consider the context and approach the situation with empathy. Personal crises, work-related pressures, and other factors can influence employees' behavior. Our HR Director, for instance, takes a compassionate approach to encourage open communication about concerns. 

However, it's equally crucial to be consistent in upholding company standards and refer back to policies and precedent when needed. Explaining the impact of negative behavior, setting clear expectations, and resorting to progressive discipline measures, if necessary, ensures a balance between empathy and adherence to company values.

5. Establish Clear Expectations and Guidelines

To reduce workplace politics, it's crucial to establish clear expectations and guidelines for employee behavior:

• Company values and culture: Clearly define your company's values, mission, and culture. Make sure every employee understands what is considered appropriate conduct and what is not.

• Code of conduct: Develop and communicate a comprehensive code of conduct that outlines expected behavior, ethics, and integrity standards.

• Regular reminders: Periodically remind employees of these guidelines through meetings, training sessions, and internal communications to keep them top of mind.

6. Provide Conflict Resolution Training

Conflict is a natural part of any workplace, but how it's managed can either exacerbate or mitigate workplace politics. Provide conflict resolution training to help employees address issues and conflicts constructively:

• Training programs: Offer workshops or training sessions that teach employees effective communication, active listening, and conflict resolution skills.

• Mediation resources: Have a mediation process in place for resolving disputes between employees or teams. A neutral third party can help facilitate the resolution process.

• Encourage open dialogue: Promote a culture where employees feel safe discussing and resolving issues directly with their colleagues or supervisors before they escalate.

7. Reward Performance and Teamwork

Incentivizing the right behaviors can go a long way in reducing workplace politics. Recognize and reward employees based on their performance, contributions to the team, and adherence to company values:

• Performance evaluations: Implement a fair and transparent performance evaluation system that rewards individuals for their accomplishments and contributions to team success.

• Team-based incentives: Consider offering rewards or bonuses for successful team projects, which encourages collaboration rather than competition.

• Public recognition: Acknowledge and celebrate employees' achievements in a public and meaningful way, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and performance.

8. Address Grievances and Conflicts Promptly

When grievances and conflicts go unresolved, they can fester and lead to workplace politics. Have a formal process in place to address these issues promptly:

• Clear reporting mechanisms: Ensure that employees know how and where to report grievances or conflicts. Establish confidential channels for reporting.

• Swift response: Act promptly to investigate and address reported issues. Delayed responses can erode trust and exacerbate political behaviors.

• Fair resolutions: Strive for fair and impartial resolutions that satisfy both parties and align with company standards.

9. Promote Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is essential to reduce stress and burnout, which can contribute to workplace politics. Support employees in managing their well-being:

• Flexible scheduling: Consider offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible hours, to help employees better balance their work and personal lives.

• Time-off policies: Implement generous time-off policies that allow employees to recharge and spend quality time with their families and pursue personal interests.

• Encourage self-care: Promote self-care practices, such as exercise, mindfulness, and stress management, to help employees cope with workplace pressures.

10. Foster a Sense of Belonging

Creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel a sense of belonging can reduce the motivation for engaging in politics:

• Diverse and inclusive hiring: Prioritize diversity and inclusion in your hiring processes to build a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.

• Employee resource groups: Support and encourage the formation of employee resource groups that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, allowing employees to connect and share experiences.

• Inclusive leadership: Train leaders and managers to lead inclusively, ensuring that all employees feel valued and heard.

Creating a healthy and politics-free workplace culture doesn't happen by chance. It requires a deliberate and proactive effort. By setting the right tone and applying 10 ways to help employees overcome workplace politics in Aniday’s blog, organizations can enhance their bottom line, nurture employee loyalty, build camaraderie, and establish a culture of trust.