FastCompany: “One Potential Consequence of Remote Work? More Bullying”
Getting a handle on workplace culture is easier when everyone is working in an office together. When employees are working remotely, however, it can leave the door open to problems. If your organization hasn’t intentionally developed remote workplace standards, your employees could be at risk of feeling bullied, says Janine Yancey, founder and CEO of the workplace culture organization Emtrain.
“Toxicity in the workplace culture flows from not investing enough time at the micro level and as workforce and being deliberate about how we show up and interact with each other,” she says. “What we’re seeing already is more negative interactions between workers because working from home is broadening the view of what’s on the table top to discuss between coworkers.”
For example, a family member coming into the frame of the video-call frame or a distraction in the background of a phone call could become a potential topic of conversation between colleagues. Or a colleague may be working from the sofa and not have a dedicated home office.