Question: “There have been some tense moments in the office recently because of rude and loud outbursts among three employees. Any advice on how to lighten things up and bring the office back together? -- Tori
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{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
What do you do when the boss knows the probably and knows who is the leader of the pack but does nothing about it? We have a lady in our office that think she is all that and she is rude and hateful to a few of the staff members. She has a couple other staff members that follows her lead in EVERYTHING that she does. The boss knows that she is the leader but does nothing. We have even had a few employees threaten to quit if things do not straighten up. I work in the Government entity so everything is very “by the book”. We are at a loss of what to do with her when you have no one to help.. Any advice?
I am surprised that the mgr/supv has not been more involved. These 3 definitely need to be seated and coached. Although, you cannot control behaviors of others, you can request a more tranquil work enviornment. And as Mark mentioned above, a celebration of some sort. Our staff celebrates birthdays, accomplishments, etc., find a way to just get away and pep up morale, since our company is in a downturn. Recently, we conducted a personality test to find out each other’s work ethics and personalities. It really has worked.
Anon, 2nd that motion on the pet peeve.
I would try dropping subtle hints first.
Mentioning to their/your supervisor that you are uncomfortable or being disturbed and ask them to observe.
Last I would take it to HR if the supervisor(s) don’t solve the problem.
Just had to mention one of my biggest pet peeves – and it is done by my two supervisors repeatedly (so I’m stuck!!)! It is when they are on hold (usually for a personal call) and place it on speaker phone so we ALL have to suffer with them!
I agree that any unprofessional behavior should be addressed immediately, sometimes people don’t realize how it feels to be the person on teh outside looking in. Of course, this should be handled by HR, for the main reason, it’s thier area and two, it won’ t leave a hostile feeling towards you. Meanwhile, to lighten the tension, a morale builder in plan would be a good way to keep the ones that are still in tact from adopting the bad habits.
You cannot control anyone else’s behavior, but you can control your own, and through your own behavior you may influence others. Maintain a pleasant, peaceful and civil attitude and don’t allow yourself to be brought down by the fighting coworkers. Be a role model for peace and proper attitude. Don’t let them draw you into their problems and force you to take sides, and don’t take their problems on as your burden; they are responsible for their own actions.
Morale is very important in a office situation. And as someone else has already stated, lightening the mood can be accomplished in many ways. One of the things I’ve done and always had good reception to is doing some sort of potluck. Don’t really need a reason, just co workers pulling together to enjoy each others company. Those 3 don’t have to talk to each other, they should just be encouraged to participate and interact with people OTHER than those in question.
I’m not sure there’s no respect in the office. Tori doesn’t say what the three were fighting about. Most everyone is feeling more stress these days and perhaps folks need to be reminded of the good things happening in the office. I agree with Mark. Celebrate the good and get to know each other in an office casual setting. Celebrations don’t have to be big or expensive. A box of donuts or a bag of fruit and coffee in an informal monthly staff meeting are all it takes. Everyone talks about what they are working on and birthdays and office anniversaries are annouced for the upcoming month.
While I think you have a good idea, Mark about celebrating and improving morale, I don’t see how you can improve morale amongst coworkers when there is no respect. I think the first order of business is to restore respect in the work place and learn to celebrate later.
Funny timing. I just got back from a conference and one of the sessions was on improving morale. One of the points that stuck in my head was the speaker saying that we need to “find something to celebrate” on a regular basis. If someone has had 12 months of not missing a day of work, celebrate it. If it is National Muffin Day, get muffins for the office. On a hot day, if there is a DQ nearby, say, “I’m going to Dairy Queen. Who wants something?” National Make a Difference Day is coming up, challenge each employee to do one thing that day for a co-worker.
His point was that, at LEAST every two weeks, find something so celebrate, find something to have fun. Where I work, we have a Fun Committee. Their task is to come up with fun activities. See if you can do the same where you work.
I agree you should involve HR. I am in government and our city has respect as one of our core values. We have a “respectful workplace” policy that basically says all employees will act in a respectful manner to their coworkers and further gives some examples of disrespectful behavior, which would certainly include rude and loud language. HR may investigate reports of disrespectful behavior and discipline up to termination from employment can be imposed. I don’t think we have fired anyone under this policy but we have issued written reprimands.
I agree with everyone. Wouldn’t be nice if we can all get along? Reality is you never will with evry single employee, just need to co-exist professionally and maturerly. Sounds like these poeple think they can get away with this behavior until somebody says something. A supervisor or HR should be able to put out that fire.
Some people need to be treated like children and it sounds like a verbal spanking is in order from HR or the supervisor. Don’t try to fix this yourself. This is disruptive behavior and obviously making you uncomfortable therefore validating the need for you to go to above them for help.
No, everyone cannot just get along and never will. All you need to know is you cannot control anyone else’s behavior so just take care of your own. I like Anon’s advice. Get HR involved….now! This behavior is unacceptable.
Yes, have you heard of HR? Get them involved and quickly…..