When people feel like they are being ignored or excluded by those around them, they are experiencing feelings of ostracism. Unfortunately, this can be a common experience at work. Workplace ostracism can have detrimental effects, both for the ostracized employees and the organization at large. In this study, researchers (Huang & Yuan, 2024) investigated the impact of workplace ostracism on employees’ willingness to engage in helping behavior.
THE RESEARCH STUDY
The researchers used a two-wave approach to collect data from 382 employees and 43 leaders across four different businesses in China. The study showed that when employees felt that their leaders were ostracizing them, they were more likely to feel ostracized by their peers as well. They were also less likely to participate in helping behavior. In terms of gender, the researchers found that, compared to the women in the study, men who felt ostracized by their leader were more likely to also feel ostracized by their peers, and were even less likely to participate in helping behavior.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Not only can workplace ostracism be detrimental to the mental wellbeing of ostracized employees, but it can also have lasting impacts on the organization itself, due to the decrease of helping behavior that can occur as a result. To help prevent and combat the effects of ostracism, organizations should do the following:
- Provide training to prevent workplace ostracism. Some leaders may not be aware of the impact they are having or may not be aware that they are ostracizing an employee. Training can help highlight and reduce this behavior.
- Develop confidential reporting practices. This will allow employees who are feeling ostracized to express their concerns without fear of repercussions.
- Offer team building and social skills development programs. This will help employees build a sense of connectedness with coworkers, confidence in their own social abilities, and coping skills to effectively deal with feelings of ostracism if they occur.
Huang, W., & Yuan, C. (2024). Workplace ostracism and helping behavior: A cross-level investigation. Journal of Business Ethics, 190, 787-800.
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