Workplace values, like patience, 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 patience and 3 ways you can practice patience at your office.
What is patience?
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, patience refers to “the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious”.
When placed into the context of a working environment, patience can take on many forms at the workplace. As with any workplace value, we use patience 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 patience at the office?
Practicing the workplace value of patience 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 patience through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing patience within your own office space.
Practice active listening
Practicing active listening is one of the first steps you can take to practice patience at the workplace.
Most individuals have a routine to keep to when working at the office. They probably have to check, clear and send out some emails at the start of the day. Subsequently, they work towards clearing items off their checklist.
However, it is important that when attempting to practice patience, one ensures they are listening actively. It’s in the little things. Mind your body language. Keep all distractions away. Maintain eye-contact with your colleague who is speaking with you. Nod, smile and keep yourself approachable before, during and after the conversation.
Understand the situation they find themselves in. Place yourself in their shoes. It’s the best way to get to know what they are going through.
When dealing with multiple projects, practicing patience can be implemented through the act of actively listening to those around you. How so? Offer to help those who may struggling with their workload. Empathise with your co-workers and offer a helping hand whenever you can!
And that’s how practicing active listening is one way to practice the workplace value of patience.
Avoid jumping to assumptions
One can also foster patience at the workplace simply by avoiding jumping to assumptions and conclusions!
At work, each employee is assigned to a set of responsibilities, tasks, and projects. As such, we all have one or another item to take ownership for. However, we all have our fair share of bad days too. Naturally, things get out of hand.
As such, when your colleagues didn’t meet a specified deadline, give them the benefit of the doubt. You may not know the real reason behind why they didn’t manage to complete the task. Perhaps, they may be troubled with issues they can’t share quite as openly. This is the perfect opportunity to practice patience at work.
Avoid making assumptions when your colleagues seem to be out of balance. Instead, practice compassion. Offer help if and when you can to help better the situation. So, avoiding jumping to assumptions is one way to further foster the workplace value of patience!
Stick to the golden rule
The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of patience is by adhering to the golden rule. And what exactly is the golden rule: Treat others how you would want to be treated.
Nobody likes being spoken down to. Regardless of work or social situations, everyone wishes to be respected. The best way to create a positive, shared workspace with your colleagues is by encouraging everyone to be mutually respectful.
Treat others with kindness. Help others around you when you can. After all, a helping hand in times of need will always be remembered by others. Place yourself in other’s shoes and situations. It’s the best way to get to know how you would want to be treated in any circumstance.
And so, adhering to this golden rule is one way to practice the workplace value of patience!
What's next?
And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of patience. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice patience 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!
