When Workplace Relationships Go Wrong
What Can Turn a Workplace Friend into a Workplace Foe?
Oct 21, 2009
During challenging economic times when employees are worried that their jobs may be eliminated and they could be let go, once strong workplace relationships can find themselves in jeopardy. Employees feeling that air of competition and the need to remain employed can place a different value on the relationships within the organization.
Others that once shared information openly may not be so willing to do so in order to stay ahead of their once workplace confidant. It is difficult to know exactly what went wrong when a relationship goes bad, and relationships in the workplace are no different.
Negative Effect of Workplace Stress
With job cuts come added performance pressures that can put a strain on any relationship. If employees feel their jobs are in jeopardy, they could be reading more into situations than they normally would. Leaders should give them room to work through their personal situations and remain objective when evaluating their performance. Employees should be given the opportunity to work through issues that are not impacting their performance and do what it takes to get back on track.
Coworkers must keep workplace relationships professional. When employees allow their emotions to get involved, it becomes difficult to separate the personal from the professional. If they stay professional and strive to avoid hurt feelings, the relationship stays strong and can weather the storm. When challenging times come around, victims of a relationship breakdown can be assured that it was not the result of personal issues.
Managing the Workplace Relationship
If the relationship goes south, identify ways to get the relationship back on track. Open communication among all parties can help them work through the tough times and get back to the good times. If someone isn’t ready to talk, they should be given space. They will come around when they are ready.
Everyone with a stake in the relationship should try to see the vantage point of the others. In most cases, the strain on the relationship was not born of an issue between the two people; but rather one person’s challenge with handling their own emotional baggage. Employees should use each other as sounding boards, not punching bags. They should communicate and be supportive without getting emotionally involved.
After the turbulent times pass, people will return to being themselves. When the threat of unemployment is no longer looming, the healing of relationships can begin. Employees should give their coworkers a chance to re-center themselves. For most, their behavior will return to normal. While the relationship may not be able to pick up where it left off, everyone should acknowledge the bump in the road and move forward. There is no point living in the past.
Change can be more difficult for some than others, and tough economic times can heighten the difficulty in managing change. The fear of the unknown can overwhelm some people without them realizing it and turn their relationships into something they do not recognize. Most people spend more time with their co-workers than their family, which makes workplace relationships that much more important. Build relationships outside of work to help cope with the tough times and provide perspective when the workplace relationships turn sour.
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