What will happen?
Some people can cope with a tone of communication that is not respectful and will 'play along'. While others who can't cope might not be able to object and say no. How these people react may differ. Some will withdraw from the social community at the workplace, while others will play along and perhaps even sharpen the tone even more.
When emotions are repressed, it may start a vicious circle that impedes collaboration at the shop and affects the individual employee's wellbeing.
When we're stressed, or on the way to becoming stressed, we react differently.
Typical reactions include:
- We get more easily annoyed and snap at others.
- Some become pessimistic and despairing.
- Some react by falling silent.
Bad well-being and bad job satisfaction
Disrespectful communication can also be a sign of poor wellbeing and job dissatisfaction, or a way of dealing with stressful situations.
If you're under time pressure or are having a bad day and someone talks to you in a harsh or rude tone, it might just be the last straw. So, although you've managed to cope with the tone so far, it's suddenly too much for you. It's situations like these that can lead to conflicts at the workplace.
The customers feel it too
Outsiders will quickly sense if your tone of communication at the workplace is disrespectful or rude. How you communicate is therefore significant for the quality of service you provide, and for how your customers experience the atmosphere in your shop.