You have recently joined a firm which has more than 500 employees working at the moment. Since you are new to the environment, your manager is currently trying to make you familiarize to the environment and your work responsibilities. He is also giving you team tasks in which there are more than 10 members. The manager keeps asking you to follow the deadlines and be punctual and active. However, you have started to notice that there are certain individuals who are coming late to the office, enjoying extended break hours and always creating some form of trouble for other team members of the organization. Because of your extended exposure to the behavior of these group of people, you are also trying to cut back on your work hours, getting absent without a valid reason and procrastinating daily, weekly or monthly tasks.

Social Studies · College · Thu Feb 04 2021

Answered on

Firstly, it’s important to recognize the impact of your workplace environment and peer behavior on your own work ethic. It seems that you’re experiencing what is known as "social loafing" among your coworkers, which is when individuals in a group contribute less to the team effort than they would if working alone. This phenomenon can have a contagious effect, which appears to be influencing your behavior.

To address this issue, you should consider the following steps:

1. **Self-Reflection**: Reflect on your work ethic and personal goals independent of others’ actions. Remember why you were hired and what your responsibilities are. Your performance is a reflection of your professionalism and should not be dependent on how others are acting.

2. **Peer Influence**: Acknowledge that while you may observe others not adhering to expected standards, it doesn't mean it's a beneficial practice to emulate. Stick to your values and maintain the work standard you believe in.

3. **Communication with Manager**: If the behavior of your coworkers is affecting your performance or the team's morale, consider having a private conversation with your manager about your observations. It's important to focus on how it impacts the work, rather than making it seem like you're complaining about your colleagues.

4. **Setting Boundaries**: Make a conscious decision to not get influenced by the actions of these few individuals. Establish boundaries for your working hours, break times, and overall professionalism.

5. **Seeking Feedback**: Regularly ask for feedback from your manager regarding your performance. Knowing where you stand can help you stay motivated and focused.

6. **Professional Support**: If you are struggling to maintain your work ethic despite your efforts, consider seeking advice from a mentor or a human resources representative. They can provide strategies to help you cope with the situation.

Maintain your punctuality, productivity, and respect for deadlines to set an example. In a large organization, it's not uncommon for a diverse array of work styles to coexist, but it is every employee's responsibility to maintain their individual performance for the betterment of the team and company.

Extra: It is critical to understand the dynamics of group behavior and the influence of work culture on an individual. In any workplace, especially a large organization, there are varying attitudes and levels of commitment among employees. As a newcomer, it's essential to cultivate a strong personal work ethic that aligns with the company's values and expectations, regardless of others' behavior.

It's also valuable to understand how companies deal with such issues. They commonly have codes of conduct and performance management systems to address these types of behavior. Managers are typically responsible for enforcing these standards through regular performance reviews, disciplining employees who consistently underperform or violate company policies, and offering incentives for those who excel.

On a personal level, building resilience to negative influences and being aware of your own behavior's impact on productivity and career advancement is fundamental for long-term success. Remember that ultimately, your professional reputation is built on your own actions, not those of your coworkers.

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