To Make Your Workplace Fairer, Take Charge of Its Norms

When starting a new job, many employees learn about official policies like vacation time but miss out on understanding the critical informal dynamics that influence workplace success. These unwritten rules—such as when to ask for promotions, expected response times for emails, and meeting etiquette—are vital for navigating the new environment. Researchers at Harvard Kennedy School emphasize the importance of these insights, pointing out that knowing the organizational culture can significantly affect career progression and employee satisfaction.

Employee manuals often fail to provide essential insights on workplace dynamics, leaving new hires unaware of informal yet crucial cultural norms essential for success.

Understanding the unwritten rules of the workplace, such as communication expectations and advocacy for promotions, can significantly impact an employee's career trajectory.

Read at Harvard Business Review