Office Nicknames Impact: Power, Peril, and Policies

Probing the Power and Peril of Office Nicknames

Introduction

• Nicknames are often a staple of office culture.
• Study in Harvard Business Review researches how workplace nicknames impact professional relationships and employee well-being.

Key Findings

1. Managers should avoid giving employees nicknames.

   • Employees feel less psychologically safe, less powerful, and less respected.
   • Employees may perceive it as a way for the boss to assert control.

2. Nicknaming a manager can give employees a sense of empowerment.

   • Employees feel more psychologically safe, more powerful, and more respected.
   • Shows that the higher-power party respects the voices of the lower-power party.

3. Organizational culture plays a major role.

   • In hierarchical workplaces, the effects of nicknaming are more pronounced.

Navigating Workplace Nicknames - Advice for Leaders

1. Establish clear guidelines.

   • Organizations should set expectations to ensure a respectful environment through policies and training.

2. Consider your company's culture.

   • Be mindful of organizational structure before encouraging or using nicknames, especially in hierarchical workplaces.

3. Never assume.

   • Never assume an employee is comfortable with a nickname.

4. Always check in.

   • Ask employees privately if they are comfortable with how they're addressed.

Conclusion

• Nickname acceptance is ultimately up to the individual