I started this edition of the News with the intention of sharing information about politics in the workplace. As I was researching, I found that these pointers apply to EVERYTHING in the workplace. Including a great team of coworkers.
Today I want to tell you a little bit about my team. When we did the Working Genius activity with Desiree Petrich, we realized that we have someone that excels in each of the 6 categories. When we did the Strength Finders assessment, we all lead with different strengths. Even though we all work in Human Resources, we all have different approaches and life experiences, values and interests including political interests. That is what makes a strong team.
To keep the team strong along with having fun, we have clear policies and workplace expectations. Plus, clear core values. Most importantly honesty, respect and integrity.
If you have or want to have an amazing team be sure to have the policies in place to help them be strong individuals that bring their strengths to your team.
How Do You Build an Amazing Team?
- Have viewpoint-neutral language in your policies. The same rules apply to everyone.
- Employers need to have policies that focus on conduct and business impact. Address disruption, solicitation, misuse of resources, threats, harassment and performance issues immediately.
- Be sure to define working time from breaks and nonworking time. Plus clarify rules for remote work and electronic systems.
- Clearly state expectations. Require employees to avoid implying company endorsement and restrict unauthorized use of the company name, logo, customer lists or communication channels.
- Provide a clear reporting path. Identify multiple contacts for raising concerns and prohibit retaliation.
- Clearly state employee rights in your policies. MN Statutes have a few. For example, voting-leave requirements, discrimination or harassment based on a protected characteristic, WESA (Women’s Economic Security Act), protected activity about wages and working conditions.
- Train your supervisors and managers to be solid leaders for your amazing team!
Success is not about everyone doing the same thing, but about each person contributing their unique talents and abilities. By recognizing and supporting the strengths of every team member, we create a workplace where individuals thrive, collaboration grows, and the entire organization benefits. Together, our differences become our greatest advantage.
Vinna Human Resources, LLC is an HR consulting firm providing educational resources and workforce management insights. The content in this blog is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with qualified legal, tax, or employment professionals. Employment laws frequently change, and organizations should seek guidance tailored to their specific business needs and circumstances.