All our behavior is always accompanied by communications, be it either verbal or non-verbal communications.
Knowing this, we also know that the culture that our society expects us to follow has been set in stone using some sort of communications. There was no “unfortunate behavior” that resulted in an abuse culture in the workplace to “spontaneously appear”. There was systematic communications in place saying that the abuse culture wasn’t just allowed, it was to be expected.
That’s a bit harsh, innit?
Communications are all direct verbal behavior, words written in emails, papers, or as messages, and even further non-verbal behavior such as gestures, movement of body or eyes, and even lack there of.
So communications do not require direct contact, neither in the form of a spoken word, touch or a gesture directed towards another person.
Where there be people – there be communications. Always.
We have seen how communications are accepted as a precursor for violence in criminal cases where the supposed victim lists the mere presence of the supposed assailant as a threat to their safety.
Not everybody says that the mere presence of someone is a threat, but there are settings were we’ve accepted that indirect non-verbal communications are precursors for what will most likely happen if we do not intervene – or protect ourselves before hand.
Similarities in the workplace
How an employer chooses to communicate with employees is likewise a precursor for what kind of behavior can be expected – and even condoned – from the employer.
An employer that actively engages in detrimental communications will be one that actively builds up an abuse culture within the workplace – as well as will actively engage in Employee Abuse.
Understanding the difference between detrimental and positive communications is important for individuals who want to know what to expect from the workplace even before they are hired in.
And understanding the importance of positive communications, as well as learning how to effectively use them, is key for all employers who wish to set up a healthy work environment for all.