In today’s fast-paced work environment, technical skills and experience are important – but they aren’t the only ingredients for success. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the secret ingredient that helps employees navigate workplace relationships, communicate effectively, and thrive in their careers.
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognise, understand, and manage your own emotions while also being attuned to the emotions of others. It includes five key components:
A workplace with emotionally intelligent employees is more collaborative, productive, and positive. Here’s how EQ makes a difference:
The good news is that emotional intelligence can be developed! Here are some ways to improve:
Emotional intelligence is more than just a workplace buzzword – it’s a critical skill that enhances teamwork, leadership, and overall job satisfaction. By focusing on EQ, employees and leaders alike can create a more supportive and successful work environment.
If you would like more information on the above, please contact [email protected]
Workplace relationships are inevitable and can include working closely with a colleague on a project, sharing a laugh during lunch breaks, or even forming friendships over time. However, the mixing of personal and professional lives can sometimes create challenges. Handling workplace relationships with care is essential to maintaining a healthy and productive environment.
Here are some steps to consider:
The key to any successful relationship both professionally or personally, is setting and respecting boundaries. In the workplace, this means recognising when to keep conversations focused on work and when it’s appropriate to discuss personal matters. It’s important to also recognise that not everyone shares the same level of comfort with blending work and personal life. Respect for these boundaries ensures that no one feels uncomfortable or pressured to share more than they are willing to.
Professionalism should remain the cornerstone of your conduct. This involves keeping conversations respectful, staying focused on work during office hours, and avoiding overly personal topics that might cross the line. Even if you’re friends, remember that the workplace is a professional setting, and any issues or conflicts should be addressed calmly and respectfully, not emotionally.
When disagreements arise between colleagues, it’s essential to resolve them in a way that keeps the professional environment intact. Conflicts should be addressed with open, respectful communication. Avoid gossiping or involving others unnecessarily, as this can escalate tensions and damage relationships with others in the workplace.
When managed well, workplace relationships can significantly benefit both individuals and the team. By collaborating closely with colleagues, you can foster a strong sense of trust and teamwork, which ultimately leads to improved productivity. Networking within your workplace can also open up new opportunities for career & skill development and mentorship.
If you would like more information on navigating workplace relationships, please contact [email protected]
Interviewing candidates remotely for a role via video conferencing can save on time & cost and allows companies to evaluate potential new hires regardless of location. Virtual interviews can be as effective as in person interviews for those initial evaluations for skills, experience and a general evaluation of role fit. However, we feel that moving through the recruitment process, a face-to-face meeting is important (if possible) to further evaluate a candidate for a role.
As you would with any interview, it is important to prepare in advance; here are some tips on how to carry out virtual interviews:
Use a video conferencing tool you are familiar with and that you know is reliable, we use Teams at AgileHR, but there are many out there. With candidate permission you could record the interview, which enables you to revisit and review candidate answers. Test everything is working before the interview start time. Ensure you have a backup if this is not the case! Ensure your candidates are comfortable with the technology and encourage them to test it in advance of the meeting.
Schedule the interview with a diary invite and ensure all aspects of the interview are clear from a candidate’s perspective to set them up for success. Note timings/ time zones/ interviewers/ video conferencing links/ any further instructions required.
As you would with any interview, prepare an interview format in advance. This can include preparing your questions in advance, using a variety of questions styles and having a scoring matrix if this is appropriate for the role to allow objective scoring and evaluation of each candidate.
Good lighting, smart business dress code & limit background noise to create a professional environment, as this will be the candidate’s first impression of the company.If an unexpected noise/ distracting does occur or you have connectivity issues – remain calm / relaxed and problem solve (and smile!) your way through.
Whilst it can be more difficult to gain rapport on a conference call – this makes your engagement during a virtual interview even more important. Be mindful of how you come across on screen and maintain eye contact, be an active listener, show engagement in a variety of verbal and non-verbal ways.
Take notes as you would in a face-to-face meeting to ensure the answers/ observations are fresh in your mind and therefore accurate. If you use a scoring matrix, it is appropriate to complete this once the interview has ended. Manage candidate expectations by providing next steps, including timings, at the end of the interview.
Here at AgileHR we can help with any aspect of recruiting for your company – do get in touch if you would like any support with this – please contact [email protected]
