Building Supportive Workspaces

Graphic of several individuals holding up oversized puzzle pieces over their head, forming a portion of a puzzle.

Supportive environments are not built through a single initiative or event. They are created through the small interactions that happen every day.

Listening when someone speaks. Offering encouragement. Respecting different viewpoints. Thanking someone for their contribution. These actions may seem small, but together they help create a sense of belonging and connection.

Whether at work, at home, or in the community, each of us contributes to the environment around us. Small choices can help create spaces where people feel respected, included, and valued.

Everyday Ways to Build Supportive Spaces

  • Listen fully before responding.
  • Acknowledge others’ contributions.
  • Approach disagreements with respect.
  • Be open to learning from different perspectives.
  • Look for opportunities to encourage others.

Creating a supportive environment doesn’t require perfection. It starts with consistently showing up for the people around us. Access this Percipio playlist for additional resources.

Content credit: Carey Musburger, Sr. Assistant, HRS Learning & Organizational Development

Illustration of two people, one at a desk, the other on a computer screen talking to each other.

Contact & Quick Links

Have a question about info in this post?

  • Visit the HRS Service Teams page and login with your WSU credentials to find the HR Consultant that supports your area.
  • For general HR related questions, email HRS at hrs@wsu.edu.

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