Workplace ostracism is a prevalent and distressing reality in today's workplaces. While extensive research has explored the phenomenon itself, there is a noticeable gap in understanding how employees cope with ostracism over time. Workplace ostracism is unique among negative interpersonal behaviours, differentiating itself from bullying, harassment, and aggression by manifesting through inaction. It occurs when employees are excluded or overlooked in social interactions or work-related activities, leading to negative consequences for those involved. A complex issue that demands attention from both employees and leaders. By understanding the dynamics, implementing coping strategies, and fostering an inclusive culture, companies can mitigate the negative effects of ostracism, creating a healthier and more productive work environment.
Understanding Workplace Ostracism
Workplace ostracism is unique among negative interpersonal behaviours, differentiating itself from bullying, harassment, and aggression by manifesting through inaction. It occurs when employees are excluded or overlooked in social interactions or work-related activities, leading to negative consequences for the individuals involved.
Reasons Behind Ostracism
Employees may face ostracism for various reasons, often stemming from the need to protect job resources. For example, coworkers may ostracise individuals disliked by a supervisor to prevent potential resource loss. Understanding these dynamics is important for addressing the root causes of workplace ostracism.
Impact on Employee Engagement
Workplace ostracism significantly affects employee engagement across various dimensions.
The experience and frequency of positive emotions
Ostracism drains positive resources, leading to emotional exhaustion and decreased well-being. Conservation of energy: Ostracised employees may engage in minimal efforts to conserve energy, impacting overall motivation.
Opportunities to use strengths
Ostracism limits opportunities for employees to showcase their strengths, diminishing their contributions.
Work resources
Excluded employees miss out on essential information and resources, hindering goal achievement.
Rewards and recognition
Ostracised employees may not receive timely recognition, contributing to feelings of alienation.
Physical wellness
Ostracised employees report more health symptoms, indicating a negative impact on both physical and mental well-being.
Work Culture
A lack of effort in fostering an inclusive work environment contributes to a negative work culture.
Strategies to Consider for Workplace Ostracism
For employees:
Address it: Call out ostracism when it happens, fostering open communication and self-advocacy.
Write it down: Documenting experiences provides evidence for potential HR discussions and serves as a therapeutic release.
Nurture life outside of work: Maintain a support system outside of work, including friends, family, hobbies, and other activities.
For leaders:
Regular feedback: Gather comprehensive data on workplace dynamics.
Equitable recognition: Promote peer-to-peer recognition to ensure all employees feel valued and included.
Address biases: Encourage awareness of biases and work towards eliminating them to create a more inclusive work environment.
Employing models and frameworks such as the Process Model: The Process Model draws from sociometer and COR (Conservation of Resources) theories, elucidating the journey of coping with ostracism. It also highlights personal and organisational factors influencing different stages of the coping process. This model provides a valuable framework for understanding and addressing workplace ostracism comprehensively.
Sources
Sharma, N., & Dhar, R. L. (2024). Workplace ostracism: A process model for coping and typologies for handling ostracism.
Human Resource Management Review, 34(1), 100990. Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). (2019, September 25). SHRM Reports Toxic Workplace Cultures Cost Billions.
Vijayamohan, P. (2022, August 29). Workplace Ostracism: 7 Ways It Affects Your Employee Engagement.
Comments