Workplace values, like harmony, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics.
In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur.
A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone.
With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?
In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of harmony and 3 ways you can practice harmony at your office.
What is harmony?
Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?
According to Lexico.com, harmony refers to a “the quality of forming a pleasant and consistent whole”. It has also been referred to as “the state of being in agreement or concord”.
Let’s take a moment to let that definition sink in.
When placed into the context of a working environment, harmony can take on both definitions at an office. Across both meanings, an idea of togetherness seems to be a common ground.
As with any workplace value, we use harmony as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual. How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂
How to practice harmony at the office?
Practicing the workplace value of harmony at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures.
We practice harmony through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing harmony within your own office space.
Introduce an open door policy
Introducing an open door policy is one of the first steps you can take to practice harmony at the workplace.
Try your best to keep things on an open-door basis within the office space. This means offering your assistance, guidance and skills to others whenever they may need it. Ensure that you create an approachable aura around you.
This will allow others the opportunity to feel comfortable sharing their troubles and joys with you. When this feeling of togetherness is established, a more cohesive working environment can be easily established.
This simple yet meaningful act suggests to others that you are someone everyone can rely on. It also sends out the message that you are doing your part, while contributing to the team effort of your workplace.
When you demonstrate this effort from your end, other colleagues may also begin picking up on such harmonious acts. Thus, making your workplace a happier place to be at.
In short, introducing an open door policy is one way you could be demonstrating the workplace value of harmony in a simple yet efficient manner.
Have fun outside of work
The best way we get to properly know someone new is by spending some time with them. Apply this rule with your colleagues too! At the end of the day, all work and no play can get quite boring too.
As such, the second way you can practice the workplace value of harmony is by having fun outside of work.
Plan a weekend out with your colleagues. It could be a simple picnic or a lunch session out together as a team. Put work aside and focus on getting to know your colleagues as friends. When you get to know your colleagues as friends with common grounds of interest, working together will be a much easier thing to do.
As such, practicing harmony can be as simple as planning to do things outside of work.
Encourage proactivity
The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of harmony at your office is by being proactive.
Firstly, ensure that you have gotten your part of the work done. Then, be proactive! Take the initiative to help your colleagues out with their workload when you can. This is one way to assist your team to reach your organisational goals more efficiently.
Additionally, encourage others to do the same. When you know of someone who has completed his duties and can assist others, ask if they could share the workload. More hands on deck means lesser time to get things done!
Keep a lookout for your work friends who seem stressed out or taking up work beyond their bandwidth. Help to take some of the weight off their shoulders and that’s how you can demonstrate that you are a part of the team too.
Alternatively, identify group tasks or projects that may take more time to complete. Then, get a jumpstart on these works! This will help to ensure that everyone feel like they are part of a team that contributes to a workplace collectively.
As such, being proactive is one other way you can practise the workplace value of harmony at the office!
What's next?
And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of harmony. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice harmony at the workplace.
Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!
Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?
If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.
No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!
