The Silent Hostilities, at Work; An Understated yet Widespread Reality
In years the issue of aggression in the workplace has gained attention focusing primarily on explicit acts like harassment, bullying and physical violence. However, there exists a recognised and subtle form of workplace aggression that is often overlooked – subtle or passive aggressive behaviour. This article explores the intricacies of these hostilities shedding light on their prevalence and potential impact on individuals and organisations.
Understanding Subtle Aggression
Subtle hostilities in the workplace typically present themselves as actions, covert behaviours or actions masked as something entirely. Although not as overt as violence or bullying these behaviours can still inflict harm, on both individuals and the overall work environment.
Microaggressions; Microaggressions are slights or unintentional insults directed towards marginalized groups based on their race, gender, religion or other characteristics. These can include comments, gestures or actions that reinforce stereotypes and contribute to a work environment.
Indirectly Negative Communication; Passive behaviour involves expressing emotions indirectly through sarcasm backhanded compliments or withholding information or cooperation. Such behaviour can lead to tension hinder productivity. Erode trust among co-workers.
Undermining and Sabotage; Subtle acts of aggression may manifest as undermining a co-workers work or sabotaging their projects disguised as helpfulness. Such actions can result in frustration decreased morale and damage, to ones reputation.
Exclusion and Social Isolation; In instances employees may deliberately exclude others from meetings, social gatherings or important conversations. This exclusion can be a form of aggression that leaves individuals feeling isolated and undervalued.
The Prevalence of Subtle Aggressions
Detecting and quantifying aggressions in the workplace can be challenging, making it difficult to determine their prevalence. Many people engaging in behaviours may not even realise they are doing so due to their integration into workplace culture. However, several factors contribute to their persistence;
- Norms and Culture; Workplace cultures that tolerate or even reward behaviours—whether overt or subtle—can perpetuate these actions. Employees may conform to these norms in order to fit in or advance their careers.
- Fear of Retaliation; Employees who experience aggressions may hesitate to report them out of fear of retaliation or damage, to their reputation. This fear enables such behaviours to persist without consequence.
Lack of Awareness; Some people may not realise that their actions can be perceived as aggressive often considering them harmless or insignificant. This lack of awareness makes it difficult to address the issue effectively.
The Impact, on Individuals and Organisations
Subtle forms of aggression in an environment can have consequences for individuals and organisations;
- Mental and Emotional Strain; Being constantly exposed to subtle aggression can lead to stress, anxiety, depression and decreased job satisfaction for targeted employees. Consequently this can result in reduced productivity. Increased employee turnover.
- Erosion of Trust; acts of aggression undermine trust among co-workers and weaken team unity. When employees feel unsafe or unsupported they are less likely to collaborate or share ideas.
- Legal and Reputational Risks; Organisations that disregard forms of aggression may face repercussions damage their reputation and struggle to attract and retain top talent.
Addressing Subtle Aggression
To combat aggression in the organisations must take proactive measures;
Awareness and Training. Establish training programs that raise awareness, about subtle forms of aggression and their impact. Encourage conversations while providing resources for employees to understand biases and microaggressions.
Establishing policies and accessible reporting mechanisms is crucial, in addressing aggressions in the workplace. It is important for leaders to lead by example and foster an respectful culture promptly addressing any instances of aggression to send a strong message that such behaviour will not be tolerated. Regular assessments of workplace culture and employee satisfaction should be conducted to identify and resolve any issues related to aggressions.
In conclusion while subtle aggressions may not always grab headlines they can have an long lasting impact on individuals and organisations. Recognising and actively addressing these forms of aggression is vital, in creating a inclusive and productive work environment where all employees can thrive. By acknowledging their existence and taking steps to combat them organisations can cultivate a workplace culture that promotes respect, cooperation and mutual support.
Understanding the Root Causes of Passive Aggressiveness
To address aggressiveness in the workplace it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the factors that contribute to this behaviour;
- Fear of Confrontation; Some individuals resort to behaviour because they are afraid of direct confrontation and the potential conflicts that may arise.
- Lack of Communication Skills; Poor communication skills can lead people to express their grievances of addressing them constructively.
- Power Dynamics; In organisations employees lower, in the hierarchy may use aggressiveness as a means to resist authority or express their dissent.
- Unresolved Issues; Personal problems like stress, resentment or dissatisfaction with ones role or co-workers can fuel behaviour.
Strategies for Dealing with Passive Aggressiveness
- Encourage Open Communication; Foster a culture where employees feel safe and encouraged to express their concerns and frustrations. Providing training, on communication skills can be beneficial.
- Define Clear Expectations; Ensure that job roles, responsibilities and project timelines are well defined and communicated clearly to all team members. This can help reduce ambiguity that often leads to behaviours.
- Provide Constructive Feedback; Offer feedback that’s specific, actionable and respectful. Focus on addressing behaviours and outcomes than making it personal.
- It’s important to address issues, in the workplace especially when it comes to aggressive behaviour. Than letting it linger and potentially escalate take the initiative to address it directly.
- To promote an productive work environment consider providing training for employees in conflict resolution techniques. This will equip them with the skills they need to navigate disagreements and conflicts in a manner.
- Another crucial aspect is fostering empathy and emotional intelligence among employees. By encouraging these skills individuals can better. Manage their emotions as well as those of their co-workers.
- In some cases professional help may be necessary for individuals with ingrained aggressive tendencies. Counseling or coaching could provide intervention to address these issues effectively.
In conclusion passive aggressiveness can have an impact, on productivity, teamwork and employee morale within an organisation. By recognising its forms understanding its root causes and implementing strategies to tackle it head on workplaces can create an environment where open communication thrives conflicts are resolved constructively and collaboration flourishes. Ultimately managing behaviour goes beyond surface level changes; it requires building a culture of respect, accountability and personal growth.
David Alssema is a Body Language Expert and Motivational Speaker. As a performer in the personal development industry in Australia he has introduced and created new ways to inspire, motivate and develop individuals.
David Alssema started his training career with companies such as Telstra and Optus Communications, and then developed Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) within workplace training as principal of Paramount Training & Development.
As an author/media consultant on body language and professional development David has influenced workplaces across Australia. He contributes to Media such as The West Australian, ABC Radio, Australian Magazines and other Australia Media Sources.
