Culture of Feedback

Now let's get more specific: workplace culture can include everything from what you can wear to work to the tone of our emails and where you can do your work. However, it also includes the way feedback is communicated in the workplace.

Understanding the culture of feedback at your workplace is key to your development and success as an employee.

What exactly do we mean by employee feedback?

Employee feedback is information given about a person’s actions at work, to be used as a guide for future improvement.

(Employee feedback examples for development by Alexis Croswell, Culture Amp)

At the center of an employee’s personal and professional development is feedback from their manager.

(10 Effective and impactful employee feedback examples by Nora St.Aubin, Office Vibe)

When Feedback is Difficult

It's also important to note that often we might be closed to feedback or respond defensively because we may have difficulty processing feedback. Or perhaps we haven’t had a lot of practice receiving feedback. Or maybe someone offered feedback that was personal and not professional.

Our experiences with feedback will shape how we respond to it in the workplace. Being open with your supervisor and your colleagues about your experiences with feedback will be helpful. If feedback is hard for you, the good news is we're working on it now, and we'll provide you with material to practice with someone you trust!

Reflection

Take a few minutes to reflect on one of following prompts, and post your thoughts at the bottom of this page:

• What is your comfort level for receiving feedback? Explain
• How do you best process feedback, and how can you communicate that to your colleagues?
• In times when feedback might be difficult to hear or receive, how do you care for yourself?