Workplace
Compassion
Back in February 2012, I interviewed myself and
my colleagues about the employment hurdles that we’ve had to overcome. This
time, I’m back, and in my latest Fighting
Chance blog; I’m tackling the
subject of overall office interaction in the workplace.
To get all the information I needed as research
for this article, I conducted an anonymous questionnaire, asking questions like
what challenges do you face in the office environment and how comfortably do
you interact with fellow interns and staff. And from scrolling through the
answers of this questionnaire I found the general consensus to be that the
office is a positive, challenging and motivating space. This was particularly
prevalent for new interns and those on work experience who had not previously
been exposed to a workplace atmosphere and often at times find themselves “outside
their comfort zone” for
the first time.
“I learn a lot from work and I
learn from talking to other people in the workplace.” These comments suggest that the office is an
encouraging and engaging space where individuals positively interact.
One of our staff members commented that his job
taught him how to be more calm and understanding of other people’s values and
opinions, “I have learnt to
refrain from certain behaviours…like swearing! Just acting in a way that
is appropriate for the office and trying to be mindful of my colleagues and interns”.
I would suggest that although similar attitudes are adopted in most workplace
settings, it is particularly essential in the Fighting Chance office. Because
of the varying physical and intellectual abilities and behaviours of our
interns and staff, I have observed that everyone is (willingly) committed to
being actively sensitive, patient and understanding, which I think is what
makes this space so special.
Secondly, another staff member who has a hearing
impairment shared how this affects her at work. “I would advise anyone what I need.
I need to be understood in a conversation. You can get my attention by saying
my name first so I can concentrate on lip-reading the spoken word. When I’m in
a confused state, I will walk away and not join in a group discussion.” This quote reiterates my early
comments about the importance of creating an understanding and inclusive
workplace environment in which all individuals must adapt their behaviour for
the benefit of other interns and staff.
“I also feel that working here has
given me a more positive outlook I am able to be more social”
Additionally,
I also feel that it’s important for all employees to get along smoothly as well
as establish a polite workplace rapport with each other.
All in all,
to conclude this blog, I feel that I have learned that communication and
understanding plays a huge role in everything in life, whether it’s in the
workplace, a social setting and/or one’s personal life, providing that it’s
done effectively and/or efficiently.
Maria Makhoul
