Grace Njoki -Journalist
Behavior is the way in which one acts or conducts oneself especially towards others. Behavior can be classified into four where it can be optimistic, pessimistic, trusting and envious.
In a normal business environment there are different kinds of people with different kinds of behavior that make them who they are and having known that it helps the management and other employees know how deal with their differences.
Behavior changes at work would vary depending on the causes. Employees would be feeling dissatisfied about a certain thing or would be affected with their own personal problems that would lead to behavior change at work.
For instance, how would a day at work begin with a man who fought with his wife before coming to work? For as much as he would pretend to be cool with his /her colleagues, he will be much stressed and avoid communication with others to avoid victimization.
When employees are faced with problems at home it is so hard to settle and concentrate with their work, so it is with their work challenges.
Employees change their behavior when certain things are not done i.e. late or little payment, working overtime without pay, failing to appreciate achievements they have made among other things.
It is after knowing this that the managers’ start acknowledging every little achievement and appreciating employees in front of others to make them feel good and motivated
Below are factors that affect employees’ behavior change and how we can resolve;
Leadership- A leader should be a source of inspiration to employees at all time. They should be a source of inspiration and great role models in molding behavior .They should set examples on how to carry out themselves in the work place, listen and give set direction in a humble manner. This builds trust between them and their workers and it will help workers share their views without fear of victimization.
Work culture-set rules that will guide everyone and not specific workers. Be positive with all workers and do not show favors to some, treat them all equal .This will help them work as a team and achieve set goals.
Job responsibilities-do not overburden your employees .Give them reasonable workload and give them time to rest. Allow them to do what they are good at and motivate them always for ascertaining set goals. This will increase productivity at work because they have time to rest and the work is reasonable.
Effective communication-once employees start feeling left out in decision making they start losing interest in work. Managers need to involve employees on major decision making and allow them give opinions on what should be done to improve the work place. Listen to them without judging them. Managers should make effective communication of any changes that may affect the employees.
Family and personal life-Behavior change would be affected differently at personal level. An employee could be a drug addict struggling to quit but is not supported by teammates such a case it becomes different to work as a team and performances is reduced because there is no unity of purpose. Personal and professional life is separate however. Do not bring your problems at work and cause havoc.
Relationship at work- No man is an island .Allow employees to associate and share experience at work. This will help them grow as a team and will realize everyone’s potential and help them grow their skills and experiences. If employees are not allowed they get overwhelmed with work, get frustrated and would even start unnecessary fights at wok because they do not communicate well and frequently to understand one another.