Unlimited Jurisdiction: Workplace Well-Being From the Courtroom to Your Living Room
Contributing Author: Wendy L. Patrick, Deputy District Attorney, San Diego County (CA)
Most of us who have been workplace warriors within the criminal justice system for a few years or more can relate to the age-old observation that happy employees are productive employees. Add in the bonus of having great supervisors who also serve as role models and mentors, and you have a recipe for success both professionally and personally.
But what about prosecutors who do not feel supported or are otherwise disenfranchised at work? Feeling unappreciated or frustrated can take an emotional toll and can lead even prosecutors who are passionate about their work to search for a different job. Another option, however, faithful to our first love — the pursuit of justice, is to refocus on the positive. Research reveals a practical strategy to accomplish this goal.
Spotting the Silver Lining: Civility Creates Satisfaction
Within the adversarial nature of our jobs, even on the darkest day in the throes of litigation it is undeniable that there are many positive aspects of prosecution work. Our jobs are intellectually fulfilling, emotionally satisfying, socially stimulating, and while competitive in the courtroom, are refreshingly collaborative in the conference room as we brainstorm case strategy and share wisdom and ideas. These positive characteristics, in combination with the fast-paced nature of criminal procedure, uniquely distinguish our daily routine from our colleagues in the civil realm. Ironically, especially in court where we interact with many of the same people every day, so does our sense of civility. And according to research, this may be the golden ticket to improving workplace wellness.
Annamaria Di Fabio et al. (2016) studied the impact of workplace relational civility on well-being and acceptance of change.[i] They begin by noting the modern reality of the world of work, which they describe as characterized by factors including instability and change — which describes many prosecution offices today. With higher-than-usual rates of attrition due to budget concerns, heavy caseloads, and uncertainty regarding future transfers and staffing, it is especially important to develop and maintain a positive workplace environment.
In describing their vision of workplace civility that promotes the acceptance of change, Di Fabio et al. highlight the value of adopting a relational style characterized by “respect and concern for oneself and others, interpersonal sensitivity, personal education, and kindness toward others.” This intentional style of communication can enhance every part of our day whether we are at our desk, in a Judge’s chambers, or milling around the courthouse between court appearances, as we bring civility through positivity into every interaction.
Focus on the Positive
Di Fabio et al. recognize that focusing on healthy individuals as flourishing and resilient workers creates a positive work environment that stimulates employee performance and well-being by concentrating on positive rather than negative functioning. This intentional shift in focus emphasizes the importance of work-life blend for maintaining a positive sense of self and family, as well as job satisfaction and a sense of belonging.
In terms of coping with the inevitability of change, Di Fabio et al. note that practicing workplace relational civility renders employees better equipped to face and cope with critical issues within their organizations and beyond, because every workplace is a product of the society within which it operates. This is especially true for modern prosecutors, considering the pressure of public opinion surrounding our designated role within the criminal justice system.
And in terms of support, Di Fabio et al. found that being treated with dignity and respect in the workplace was linked with enhanced personal life satisfaction, a lesson we can put into practice every day within the collaborative nature of prosecution work. In this respect, practicing workplace relational civility will create a positive emotional climate professionally and personally, and improve our overall quality of life.
[i] Di Fabio, Annamaria, Marco Giannini, Yura Loscalzo, Letizia Palazzeschi, Ornella Bucci, Andrea Guazzini, and Alessio Gori. 2016. “The Challenge of Fostering Healthy Organizations: An Empirical Study on the Role of Workplace Relational Civility in Acceptance of Change and Well-Being.” Frontiers in Psychology 7 (November). https://search-ebscohost-com.libproxy.sdsu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=psyh&AN=2016-62135-001&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
