The initiative to come and see the Ombud often arises from a feeling of being alone and isolated, or even excluded from a team or a network of relationships. A lack of support from colleagues or managers or a lack of positive interaction can become a source of suffering at work, reinforcing the feeling of isolation and lack of recognition and lowering our capacity to cope with stress.
When people come to me in such cases, I, as Ombud, practise active, compassionate listening and I ask questions to get a better understanding of the general context, bring some clarity to the situation and discuss the various avenues to explore and possible ways out of the impasse.
I remember a conversation I had with a visitor who, over several months, had felt increasingly sidelined. He described how his situation had gone from being very satisfactory, with supportive colleagues and a manager who trusted him, to unfavourable, with fewer and fewer expressions of support and an almost complete lack of regard. The situation was affecting him greatly and he didn’t know how to express his unease and need for positive interaction. Our conversation set him on the path to a more collaborative way of working.
Having good workplace relationships is vital for our well-being, to stay motivated and do a good job; so let’s talk about it!
If you would like to discuss this topic or figure out how to deal with a particular situation, please contact me. As Ombud, my main task is to provide a non-official channel for conflict resolution, as well as to give impartial help and advice. My role is also to offer my opinion on the implementation of the Code of Conduct.
Let me take this opportunity, after over a year as CERN Ombud, to thank my visitors for putting their trust in me.
Thank you for your attention, and see you soon!
Marie-Luce Falipou
I would like to hear your reactions and suggestions – join the CERN Ombud Mattermost team at https://mattermost.web.cern.ch/cern-ombud/.
The Ombud is available from Monday to Friday in Office 500/1-004 on the Meyrin site. To make an appointment, in person or online, contact the Ombud at ombuds@cern.ch
Visit the Ombud’s website to learn more or get in touch: https://ombuds.web.cern.ch