Print this Article | Send to Colleague
Finding the Balance- Workspace Personality vs. Professionalism
Personalizing a workspace can make employees feel more at home and even build team connections. A few pictures, diplomas, or meaningful items often create a welcoming environment, but what happens when decorations become excessive?
Why It Matters
While self-expression is beneficial, it can sometimes spill over into clutter that negatively impacts productivity, professionalism, and fairness across the team. Setting boundaries ensures a healthy balance.
Establish Clear Guidelines. For example:
- Allow professional credentials or diplomas
- Set a limited number of personal items and define what is acceptable
- When it comes to holidays, if decorating is permitted, realize you need to allow employees to decorate for the holidays they may recognize
Protecting Against Risk
Draw a hard line at anything offensive, harassing, discriminatory, or inflammatory. Make this a zero-tolerance policy to avoid hostile work environment claims before they arise.
Communicating the Policy
The key is balance. Promote personal expression while reinforcing productivity, safety, and fairness. Apply the policy consistently to all employees so no one feels singled out.
Help When You Need It
Real-world workplace issues deserve real-world answers. Members of our HR Support Plan have direct access to HR experts to guide them through everyday challenges.
Learn more about our HR Support Plan and sign up today!
