The workplace has become a cultural melting pot. Both freelancers and corporate employees are collaborating with individuals from all walks of life, experiencing first-hand the undeniable value (and periodic tension) of diversity.
Learning how to interact with people from differing cultures requires a level of awareness that can seem overwhelming at first. However, improving cultural awareness doesn’t need to be a difficult task. Instead, we can all begin by practicing one basic quality – kindness.
Our ability to demonstrate cultural kindness and sensitivity in the workplace can set us apart, and make a positive impression on others.
Here are three ways to practice cultural kindness in the workplace.
1. Email Etiquette – Include a greeting and salutation in your emails. Beginning with a “Hello,” and ending with a “Sincerely,” can add professional warmth, and make a positive impact on how your message or request is received.
2. Casual Conversation – Active listening can go a long way in demonstrating cultural kindness. While in conversation with team members, listen for any cultural differences they may allude to regarding home, holidays, family and food preferences. This information may present a unique opportunity for you to put cultural kindness into action in the future.
3. Office Observation – Take time to observe the diverse office behaviors of your coworkers. There are bound to be co-workers who work differently than you do, and oftentimes these differences can cause acute frustration and conflict in the workplace. When you encounter these inevitable differences, first consider the origin of your own habits, and notice how your life experiences have lead you to develop this learned behavior. Then, place yourself in your coworker’s shoes. Consider how your coworker’s life experiences and cultural differences may also influence their behavior.
Our ability to demonstrate cultural kindness in an increasingly diverse workplace will create a healthier office environment for all, and foster a more positive team dynamic.
