Dealing with Workplace Cliques

Overview

Workplace cliques can negatively impact employee morale, teamwork, and company success. Here are ways to identify cliques and strategies to address them, particularly for managers.

Identifying Workplace Cliques

1. Exclusivity:

• Look for exclusive groups: Employees may form tight-knit groups that exclude others, leading to isolation and dissatisfaction.

• Effects on Productivity: Employees outside the clique may become distracted or resentful, affecting their productivity.

• Impact on Company Culture: Cliques can create a culture of "us vs. them," which can lead to high turnover and a negative reputation.

2. Conformity:

• Similarity and Security: Cliques may emphasize uniformity, leading to a lack of creativity and innovation.

• Managers' Role: Encourage diverse perspectives and emphasize the value of new ideas to counter this conformity.

• Promoting Authenticity: Recognize and appreciate employees' unique strengths and encourage them to express themselves authentically.

3. Ostracization:

• Exclusionary Activities: Cliques may engage in activities that exclude or ostracize others.

• Emotional Impact: Employees may feel left out, undervalued, and even anxious if they perceive exclusion.

• Clique Mentality: Cliques can create an "in-group" mentality, making it difficult for others to integrate.

4. Gossiping:

• Power and Control: Cliques may spread rumors to maintain their position and control within the workplace.

• Legal Implications: Gossip can escalate into harassment or defamation, creating liability for the company.

• Addressing Gossip: Encourage open communication, discourage hearsay, and address rumors promptly.

5. Bullying:

• Bullying Forms: Bullying can be overt or covert, including verbal abuse, intimidation, or isolation.

• Recognizing Workplace Bullies: Educate employees on recognizing and reporting bullying behavior.

• Policies and Support: Establish clear policies against bullying and provide support for victims.

Dealing with Workplace Cliques as a Manager

1. Prompt Action:

• Early Intervention: Address workplace cliques as soon as they emerge to prevent further solidification.

• Balance and Fairness: Break up cliques without punishing employees for having close work relationships.

2. Fostering a Positive Workplace Culture:

• Promote Inclusion: Encourage diverse teams and discourage exclusive groups.

• Assign Mixed Teams: Encourage collaboration among different departments and individuals.

• Respect and Tolerance: Emphasize the importance of treating all employees with respect and embracing differences.

3. Establishing Clear Policies:

• Anti-Bullying Policies: Develop and communicate policies against bullying, harassment, and discrimination.

• Social Media Guidelines: Establish guidelines for using social media in the workplace, including appropriate digital etiquette.

• Consequences and Support: Outline the consequences for inappropriate behavior and offer support mechanisms for victims.

4. Leading by Example:

• Model Inclusive Behavior: Managers should demonstrate inclusive behavior and actively engage with all employees.

• Open Communication: Encourage open communication and feedback, and be receptive to concerns about cliques.

• Fair and Consistent Treatment: Treat all employees fairly and consistently, avoiding favoritism or preferential treatment.

Dealing with Workplace Cliques as an Employee

1. Recognizing Your Role:

• Reflect on Your Behavior: Assess your involvement in cliques and consider how it affects others.

• Seeking Alternatives: Look for opportunities to interact with individuals outside of your usual group.

• Promoting Inclusion: Make an effort to include others in conversations and activities.

2. Addressing Concerns:

• Speak to Your Manager: If you experience or witness clique behavior, discuss it with your manager.

• Support for Victims: Encourage victims of bullying or harassment to seek support from HR or other designated resources.

• Utilizing Formal Channels: Utilize formal channels such as HR or employee assistance programs if necessary.

Conclusion

Workplace cliques can be detrimental to organizational health. Managers and employees must work together to foster an inclusive environment, address cliques promptly, and establish policies that protect employees from bullying and harassment. By promoting respect, diversity, and teamwork, organizations can create a positive workplace culture where everyone feels valued and respected.