There's a Remedy for Snarky Comments and Being Left Out

Jan 2, 2025

Community is not just that someone sits near you or that you pass someone in the hall. As we all know, it is possible to be surrounded by others and feel lonesome and left out.

Community is about the overall social environment at work and specifically the extent to which you feel a sense of belonging and support. 

It is behavior that is generally civil (treating others with politeness, friendliness and kindness). This breaks down to: 

1. being aware of others
2. acknowledging them (even as simply as a nod or smile)
3. actively including them in community activities (sharing information with them and signaling that they belong)
4. appreciating their contributions
5. accommodating them by investing resources in them and even being willing to inconvenience yourself to help further the work

Positive community can be supported by policies that deal with the most egregious offenders but what makes the biggest difference when it comes to community is building a culture of civility and support. 

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Something to Try

It's the beginning of a new year and you may have just had some time away from work. This might be a good opportunity to look at your community through fresh eyes. 

• How does your community rank in terms of civility? 
• What about mutual respect and support? 
• Does your community do a lot of complaining? Sure, everyone can use someone to vent with but a community that stays stuck in commiserating may not help move people to more positive action or problem solving.
• What are you personally contributing to your community? Are there people who you have personally shut out of belonging or witnessed others leaving out?

Next, take action: 

• Give some thought to what you can do to educate others in your workplace about what goes into a sense of community in the workplace. 
• Explore how you can contribute to a culture marked by civility and supportiveness.  
• Intentionally find a community that meets your needs

_{Reference: "The Burnout Challenge" by Christinia Maslach and Michael P. Leiter}