Workplace Culture: The Employee and Employer Perspective

Angela MacMaster, Manager, Recruitment and Retention,

Human Resources, Dalhousie University

Tanja Matthews, Coordinator, Pre-Employment Workshops Facilitator, ISANS

Introduction to this Session

Focus on Key Areas/Themes for Success in the Workplace:

• Building Relationships

• Communication

• Feedback

• Culture

Getting to Know Your New Employer

• Understand the Culture/Social Norms

• Find a mentor

• Employee orientation (On-boarding)

• Get to know your team and supervisor – what are the expectations

• Let people get to know you (as much as you are comfortable with!)

• The probationary period as an extension of the hiring process

3

Relationship Building in the Workplace

• Information/value exchange; connecting with people

• Build trusts and creditability (both ways)

• Method of demonstrating skills through accountability for actions

• Asking questions, listening, participating

• Increasingly important as you progress in your career

4

Feedback in the Workplace

• Communicating expectations for performance and behaviors

• Scope/size plus purpose and development of HR practices will impact process

• Information may not be direct, may be challenging to fully understand meaning

• Sources may also include clients, colleagues, teammates, seniourleaders etc.

• Opportunity for learning and growth

• Ask for feedback, at the right time, through insightful questions

5

Examples of Feedback:

6

• Show more leadership

• Think more strategically

• Be more creative

How to understand: Ask the right questions:

• When you say “creative,” can you say more about what you mean?

• Can you be a bit more specific about particular times or instances I wasn’t creative?

• Can you give examples of what “creative” would feel like to you? What specifically are you suggesting I do differently?

Developing a relationship

• When employees are from different cultural background:

• Different ideas of what “being a good employee” means

Hierarchy / Power / Authority

• Different ways of giving and receiving “feedback”

Expectation / Language / Pattern

7

Hierarchical Societies Egalitarian Societies

Roles clearly defined and distinct Consultative style, equality of status, and independence

Individuals are unlikely to question the “boss’s” decision

Question and even disagree with Seniors

Employee follows orders Focus on the business objectives as a whole

Superiors are kept in the loop on all activities

Employees take initiative, make independent decisions, utilize consultation inside or outside of the organization

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Israel

Germany

UK

Canada

USA

South Africa

Japan

Iran

South Korea

Poland

France

Brazil

India

Arab countries

Mexico

China

Philipines

Russia

Challenges one may encounter:

• Titles / Protocol / Special Privileges

Artificial barriers between people – environment for creative successful organizations

Maintaining order, control, and predictability

• Decision Making and Delegating

Do I make a decision on my own, or in consultation with others?

Lack of initiative or a Loose Cannon

10

Indirect Direct

Japan Middle Canada UK Easter Germany

East Europe

X

Direct Indirect

Focus on goals, actions and achievement(focus on issue, not personality)

Background info first (true point may not actually be mentioned or worded)

User fewer words (Please pass the water. ) Use more words (Would you be so kind as to pass the water please.)

Let’s deal with business at hand Ensure everyone’s feelings are taken into consideration

User facts and numbers to support their ideas: “Not possible! (completing the task in an assigned time)”

Use extra words to “soften” the message“It is going to be somewhat of a challenge to complete the project by Monday.”

Blunt – “This report is wrong” Diplomatic + - + / - +- / - -

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Role of an Employee• Engage in your new culture – volunteer, memberships, groups

• Watch – Listen – Learn

• Say good morning (handshake)

• Use person’s first name

• Arrive on time, don’t waste time

• Participate

• Notify for any delays

• Give freedom and space to be an individual

• Discuss which items and who makes decisions

• If you have a problem – bring solution

Thank you!!!Angela MacMaster, Manager, Recruitment and Retention,

Human Resources, Dalhousie University

Tanja Matthews, Coordinator, Pre-Employment Workshops Facilitator, ISANS