Fighting Chance blog 9

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