Workplace dynamics can be challenging. With so many different personalities trying to work together, drama can seem inevitable. While conflict may be unavoidable, dealing with disagreements in the best way can help you to steer clear of drama. Here are a few strategies to help you avoid drama in the workplace.
Respect Everyone
Treating everyone with respect, from managers to interns, is a good start to any workplace relationship. It’s normal to have people who rub you the wrong way but doing your best to put that aside and focus on the main goal is a solid professional habit to have.
Don’t Give in to Gossip
Work days that drag on can leave you feeling bored and looking for any distraction. No matter how juicy the gossip, it is always in your best interest to stay out of it. Cliques that develop due to gossip can be a major cause for drama in the workplace. Keeping a distance between your personal and work life is beneficial in avoiding this drama.
Keep Some Perspective
Try to remember why you have this job in the first place. Most likely it’s further reaching than the PERM recruitment ads you create. Think about the big picture and long-term goals. Knowing your purpose will help you stay focused and any outside distractions will seem less important and detrimental to what you hope to achieve.
Think About Your Reputation
Similar to thinking about your purpose is thinking about your reputation. Whether you like it or not, how you carry yourself in a workplace setting does not just stay with that job—it often carries over to any future job you may have. Giving into even a small inappropriate joke among a couple work friends can put your reputation in jeopardy.
Write Everything Down
If you are a victim of workplace drama, however small it may be, keeping a detailed document of what occurred is a good idea in case the situation escalates. This is also the case for any inappropriate texts or photos you receive. Taking screenshots as evidence can help your case significantly down the road. For example, if you are working at a PERM recruitment ads firm and your boss has been sending you personal late-night text messages, screenshotting these to show upper management is not paranoia, it is being smart and will help you avoid any “he said, she said.”
Drama in the workplace can be uncomfortable and challenging. Because you see the same people every day, it’s a good idea to take preventative measures to avoid any drama. If there is conflict, approaching the situation in the most professional way possible should be the priority.
