astra domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/studyfoxx/public_html/proactivetraining.com.au/news/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6131What happens to company culture when the world turns upside down? Norms of behavior weaken, allowing negative employee dynamics free reign and more negative impact on peoples’ behavior. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n In less than five months, we’ve had to navigate a pandemic, an economic free-fall ,and social unrest as people of all backgrounds stand up for Black Lives Matter. We are living in turbulent times—similar to the 1920s—with big changes in the economy, demographics, social values, and public health.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n When life is uncertain, our established norms of behavior erode, and it’s those established norms of behavior that are the rudder and stabilizing force that help create a respectful workplace culture. Regardless of power dynamics, in-group\/out-group tendencies, unconscious biases, or social intelligence, our established norms of behavior dictate how we show up at a work meeting, communicate with each other, and\/or treat each other. When those behavioral norms erode due to turbulence, anxiety, and an over-reliance on digital communication (as opposed to in-person communication), then the less healthy dynamics such as unconscious bias or in-group\/out-group tendencies have no counterbalance and are more pervasive in affecting employees’ interactions with each other.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n In fact, this situation is happening as illustrated by the employee sentiment data in our courses where we ask people about co-worker and team behavior:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n There was a 10 percent drop in people saying behavior is governed by well-understood norms of behavior.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Weakened established norms of behavior is like a road without the guiding traffic lines to keep everyone on track. Without the visible traffic lines (or norms of behavior), you get a wider variance in behavior. At the workplace, that looks like a wider variance in negative consequences from power dynamics, in-group\/out-group tendencies, and unconscious bias.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n I believe respect can be mapped back to a few essential dynamics in the workplace culture. And that with rigorous measurement and training, the bad outcomes can be reduced—which is more critical now than ever before. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Workplace dynamics are under more outside influence than at any time in recent history, so it’s imperative to understand that every individual has been impacted in some way by the upheaval over the recent months. “Business as usual” is no longer an option. Professionally, many now are working from home for the first time, which has required major adaptations by both employers and employees. Social, political, and economic issues, alongside an out-of-control pandemic, are redefining our nation, as well our individual response to them. Tumultuous times can’t be stopped at the workplace border. Uncertainty is a powerful emotion, so as you might expect, since mid-March, we’ve seen those negative dynamics have more impact on employee behavior. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n