Maintaining professional boundaries is crucial in the workplace to ensure that personal issues do not interfere with job performance. Photo: File.
Jayani Perera says while we spend large chunks of our lives at work, the habit of some employers to refer to their workers as their ‘’family’’ can be unprofessional as well as a dangerous step too far.
The workplace is usually where individuals from various backgrounds come together to achieve common goals. A sense of unity and camaraderie is essential for a healthy work environment.
However, some leaders and managers go too far in referring to their employees as ‘’family’’, thinking it fosters a stronger bond and commitment.
I want to explore the reasons it is generally not advisable to label employees as family and why maintaining professional boundaries is important in the workplace.
Different roles and responsibilities: In a family, the roles and responsibilities of each member are diverse, but not clearly defined. Everyone may pitch in to help with various tasks, and familial love and support blur the lines of responsibility.
In a workplace, each employee has specific roles, responsibilities, and job descriptions. It is essential to maintain these clear distinctions to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and accountability is upheld.
Professional boundaries: In a familial context, personal matters often intertwine with professional life. In contrast, maintaining professional boundaries is crucial in the workplace to ensure that personal issues do not interfere with job performance.
Referring to employees as family can blur these lines, making it challenging for both employees and employers to navigate sensitive issues.
Employee expectations: When employees are referred to as family, they may develop unrealistic expectations of their employers.
For example, they may anticipate unconditional support and special treatment, much like they would in their personal lives. This can lead to disappointment when work-related decisions do not align with these expectations, potentially causing dissatisfaction and resentment among the team.
Objectivity and decision-making: Objective decision-making is crucial in the workplace, especially when it comes to evaluations, promotions and disciplinary actions.
Referring to employees as family may make it difficult for managers to maintain objectivity when making these critical decisions. Favouritism and bias can creep in, leading to an unfair work environment.
Employee privacy: In a family, personal matters are often shared openly and discussed freely.
In a professional setting, it is crucial to respect employees’ privacy and maintain confidentiality when it comes to personal issues.
Referring to employees as family can inadvertently lead to breaches of privacy and discomfort among the team.
While fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie in the workplace is essential, it is crucial to maintain clear roles and responsibilities, professional boundaries and objective decision-making to create a productive and harmonious work environment.
By recognising the distinctions between personal and professional relationships, employers can build strong teams without the pitfalls of unrealistic expectations associated with calling employees family.
Ultimately, a healthy workplace culture is one that values professionalism, respects individual boundaries and nurtures a supportive, but distinctly professional, environment.
Jayani Perera is a seasoned professional and a digital channel manager at Microsoft. She thrives on delivering innovative and customised solutions to clients across various sectors and regions. This article first appeared on LinkedIn.
