We're sorry, but OSHAcademy doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript or install a browser that supports Javascript.

700 Introduction to Safety Management
Skip to main content

Element 4: Application of Effective Consequences

Ignoring

Ignoring, intended or unintended, is probably the most common form of negative punishment in the workplace.

Never ignore someone for good performance!

You might believe that ignoring employee behaviors is withholding a consequence. However, that's not possible because any reaction, even no reaction, is considered a consequence in the mind of the employee.

In fact, ignoring safe behaviors is the least effective consequence because it leads to the extinction of the those behaviors. Think about it. Have you ever been ignored when you thought you should have been recognized? I bet you were upset. And it didn't matter why you were ignored either: you didn't like it. Characteristics of ignoring include the following:

  • It is one of the most negative consequences – the withdrawal of recognition and reward.
  • There is no relationship created between employees and management.
  • It is the most common consequence by managers in the workplace. It's epidemic in organizations.
  • Employees believe it doesn't matter how hard they work, they'll never get recognized.
  • The general assumption is, "Apathy is rampant, but who cares".
  • If workers comply with safety rules and are ignored, they may perceive it as a negative consequence and will be less likely to comply with safety rules in the future.
  • If workers break safety rules and their actions are ignored, they may perceive it as a positive consequence and be less likely to comply with safety rules in the future.
  • Workers eventually perform without an expectation of recognition. Employees think to themselves, "why bother, we won't be thanked anyway".

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-10. What is the effect of ignoring desired behaviors in the workplace?