Post pandemic Office Politics - How to handle ?

Let me start by sayin that office politics

will always exist to some degree, but by promoting open communication, transparency, and a positive work environment, you can help to minimize their negative impact and create a more harmonious and productive workplace for everyone.

Managing office politics as an HR professional in the current post-pandemic corporate world can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help:

1. Encourage open communication: Encourage employees to share their concerns and ideas, and make sure that everyone feels heard. This can help to build trust and reduce the likelihood of political maneuvering.

2. Promote transparency: Ensure that all decisions and actions are clearly communicated and that the reasoning behind them is made clear. This can help to prevent rumors and misinformation from spreading.

3. Lead by example: Model the behavior you want to see in others. Show respect and professionalism in your own interactions with colleagues, and encourage others to do the same.

4. Address conflicts promptly: If you become aware of a political issue or conflict, address it promptly and fairly. Try to understand the perspectives of all parties involved and work to find a solution that is in the best interest of the company and all employees.

5. Encourage remote work and flexible working hours if possible : Many companies are adopting remote work policies, which can reduce the potential for office politics. Flexible working hours can also help to reduce stress and improve work-life balance, which can lead to a more positive and productive work environment.

6. Train employees on soft skills like emotional intelligence, effective communication and collaboration, for better understanding and to create a more harmonious working environment.

7. Be aware of employee mental health and provide support if needed, as the pandemic has brought a lot of uncertainty and stress in people's lives, which can lead to conflicts in the workplace.

8. Encourage diversity and inclusion: Promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and ensure that all employees feel respected and valued.

9. Create a culture of accountability: Hold employees accountable for their actions, and encourage them to take responsibility for their own behavior.

10. Encourage regular employee feedback: Make sure that employees have regular opportunities to provide feedback on the company and their work, and make sure that their feedback is taken seriously and acted upon.

Here are ten aspects I could look up and recall from experience that I believe can help in calming the adverse effects of office politics. Are there others that you have come across?