Transforming Workplace Dynamics: Empowering Food Safety Culture through Respectful Communication

When I first started consulting, I encountered a group of farm workers, all men, during a training session. After the session, I asked them to sign an attendance register. 80% of them could not write their names and simply marked an X beside their signatures. This was about 18 years ago; these men were in their 50s. The shame evident on their faces as they struggled to complete this simple task affected me. I never wanted my work to be the cause of someone else's shame. While directly improving literacy is beyond what I can do to change it, this experience profoundly influenced how I approach my work in disseminating food safety culture knowledge. It's a moment that has shaped my thoughts on the use of condescending language in the workplace, especially in critical areas like food safety culture.

Our work is important, but is it worth someone’s dignity?

I was reminded of this recently and it made me think about the methods we, as leaders, employ to guide and motivate our teams in fostering a positive food safety culture.

The Importance of Respectful Communication in Food Safety Culture

Rather than relying on authority or a superior tone, I believe in inspiring through sober, authentic conversations about accountability and the consequences of inaction, both to the consumer and the system. This early experience has been a principle in my approach to training and leadership ever since. And how I speak to my colleagues, peers, and those that must follow where I lead.

What is Condescension?

Condescension is an attitude of patronizing superiority; a way of speaking or behaving towards others as if they are intellectually or morally inferior. In a workplace setting, this can manifest as leaders or managers communicating in a manner that belittles or undervalues the contributions and abilities of their team members, which is detrimental to building a strong food safety culture.

What is Infantilization?

Infantilization is the treatment of adults in a manner that denies their maturity in age or experience, often by assuming control over their decisions or disregarding their autonomy and capabilities. This behavior can manifest in various ways, such as speaking to adults as if they are children, making decisions for them without their input, or underestimating their intelligence and abilities. When leaders or managers engage in condescending communication, they may inadvertently or intentionally infantilize their team members or peers, negatively affecting the team's food safety culture.

What is Shame?

Shame is a complex emotion that combines feelings of dishonor, unworthiness, and embarrassment. It often arises from the perception of having failed to meet societal standards or personal expectations. In the context of workers I mentioned, it's the emotion felt by individuals who are unable to perform tasks that are seemingly simple, like writing their name, due to lack of literacy. This aspect deeply impacts the culture of food safety by inhibiting open dialogue and learning.

Changing Communication for Respect and Impact in Food Safety Culture

Shifting from a condescending tone to a more respectful and impactful communication style involves several steps such as empathy, active listening, encouragement, and positive reinforcement, all of which are essential in fostering a healthy food safety culture.

Responsibility of Leaders in Enhancing Food Safety Culture

To counter these issues, it's crucial for managers and auditors to adopt a communication style that is respectful, clear, and empathetic. Training in effective communication and leadership skills can be invaluable, as well as fostering a culture where feedback is encouraged and acted upon positively. By doing so, companies can ensure a more harmonious workplace, improved employee morale, and adherence to essential safety standards, ultimately strengthening their food safety culture.

Conclusion

Words wield immense power, the shift from condescension to empathy in communication is not just beneficial but essential. Embracing respect, active listening, and positive reinforcement can transform workplaces, enhancing compliance, morale, and overall success, particularly in critical fields like food safety culture.