The Importance of a Shared Language for Workplace Conduct
If you follow Emtrain’s views on sexual harassment and workplace conduct, you know we emphasize the value of creating a shared language to address and manage interpersonal dynamics. People often have differing perceptions of what constitutes harassment, with one person seeing a behavior as friendly and another interpreting it as inappropriate. This gap in understanding is compounded by imprecise language. For example, terms like “harassment” are sometimes used out of frustration rather than accuracy.
To bridge these gaps, a shared workplace language designed to categorize and describe workplace behavior along a spectrum of respect is essential. Such a framework helps teams anticipate potential conflicts, communicate effectively, and address issues before they escalate. At Emtrain, we achieve this through the Workplace Color Spectrum®. Which is a tool that supports proactive engagement and alignment around respectful behavior.
The Workplace Color Spectrum®: A Guide to Conduct
The Workplace Color Spectrum® provides a clear framework for categorizing workplace conduct from healthy to toxic. Green, yellow, orange, and red.
- Green Conduct: This represents ideal workplace behavior—respectful, ethical, inclusive, empathetic, patient, and communicative. While it’s unrealistic to expect everyone to be “green” all the time, striving for this level of conduct fosters a positive workplace culture.
- Yellow Conduct: This is less-than-ideal behavior, where respect and patience may wane, and communication becomes less effective. While not harmful, it signals areas for improvement.
- Orange Conduct: This occurs when personal characteristics, such as race, gender, religion, or other protected attributes, are brought into the workplace through jokes or casual comments. While it may seem harmless, orange conduct can create an “us versus them” mentality, leading to feelings of exclusion and disrespect. Left unchecked, it risks escalating to toxic levels.
- Red Conduct: This is the toxic end of the spectrum, marked by high turnover, disrespect, exclusion, and potential legal violations. A workplace stuck in the red zone faces reputational damage and the erosion of its culture.
By using the Workplace Color Spectrum®, employees can quickly identify behaviors and course-correct before they escalate.
Responding to “Orange” Conduct
Addressing orange conduct is key to maintaining a healthy workplace. The best approach is straightforward and non-confrontational. For example, if a colleague makes an inappropriate joke, you might say, “That comment felt a bit orange.” This method shifts the focus to the action, not the individual, emphasizing that it’s a common slip and not a personal failure.
By framing feedback around the shared language of the Workplace Color Spectrum®, employees are empowered to communicate constructively without fear of confrontation. Everyone understands that orange conduct, while not always malicious, puts the workplace on a slippery slope. A simple orange callout can steer the culture back toward the green zone, ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment.
Proactive Management of Workplace Conduct
Using tools like the Workplace Color Spectrum® enables organizations to foster a culture of accountability and respect. By addressing issues early and promoting open dialogue about workplace conduct, teams can navigate challenges effectively and maintain a positive, inclusive culture.
Shared language is more than a tool—it’s a commitment to proactive communication and mutual respect. When everyone is equipped to identify and address behaviors on the spectrum, the workplace becomes a space where all employees can thrive.
