The Magic of Restorative Practices in the Workplace

By Kelly Bush

Before I became a business owner, I worked as a behavioral specialist. I worked at a Hillside Children's Center Day Treatment School - a program for students who experience significant challenges in school and or the community, which impact their academic performance and/or social development. It was there that I learned about the magic of Restorative Justice. We introduced it into our program and watched how it turned things around for our students and the adults working with them.

When I became a business owner, I realized that I was once again a disciplinarian, but to a completely new age group – my peers. Knowing that traditional, punitive punishments just don’t work, I began to explore the role restorative justice could have in the workplace when rules were broken or harm was caused. I began seeing every workplace misstep as an opportunity to repair harm, build community, and restore an equitable balance. 

In schools, restorative justice is a powerful tool in schools because it prioritizes relationships, encourages accountability, teaches essential life skills, and contributes to a positive and supportive school culture. Who wouldn’t want that in a place where they spend roughly 40 hours a week?

So, what is Restorative Justice?

Restorative justice is an approach to justice that aims to repair the harm done to victims. A neutral party works to ensure that offenders take responsibility for their actions, understand the harm they have caused, make things right, and make plans for the action to not be repeated. For victims, the goal is to give them an active role in the process. In the criminal justice field, Restorative Justice became popular as law enforcers realized that the rate of recidivism increased even though stricter punishments were being handed out.

It’s all about dealing with wrongdoing in a way that's inclusive and collaborative. Instead of just punishing, it emphasizes accountability, empathy, and healing.

In the workplace, restorative practices are a perfect fit and can create a culture that prioritizes communication, understanding, and problem-solving.

Restorative Justice gained popularity in the US in the 1970s, but the roots date back much further to indigenous tribes in Africa and Native Americans in Canada. Check out Fania E. Davis’ The Little Book of Race and Restorative Justice for more information on the origins of Restorative Justice.

How does this translate to the workplace?

Restorative justice at work is like a team-building superpower. It sorts out issues by bringing everyone together to talk and understand each other. It's not about punishment but about learning and growing, making the workplace a happier and more relaxed space where people can be more collaborative.

Traditional (punitive) methods involve things like reprimands, suspensions, or even firing. It's about blame and consequences, often without addressing the root problems. Restorative practices focus on understanding, repairing harm, and making individuals accountable. Dialogue, empathy, and collaboration are key, aiming to restore relationships and prevent future conflicts.

Examples of Restorative Practices in the workplace:

• Restorative Circles:

Get the team together regularly for open discussions to share thoughts, resolve conflicts, and build a sense of community. At Hillside, we started our staff meetings with Circles. Most classrooms started each day with a Community Circle – a chance to talk about their night, discuss the upcoming day, and share news. Restorative Circles let everyone express themselves, working together to find solutions. Circles are also a great way to discuss issues or events that everyone has a stake in.

• Mediation and Facilitation:

When conflicts pop up, bring in a neutral third party to guide discussions and find constructive solutions. This helps address the root causes and ensures everyone's heard. Let’s say 2 colleagues disagree with a project. Instead of the traditional approach of assigning blame back and forth and trying to prove who is right, mediation can be a useful tool. 

• Restitution and Repair:

Encourage those involved in conflicts to take responsibility and work towards fixing things. This could mean apologies, making amends, or collaborating to set things right. Let’s say 1 employee unintentionally, but carelessly, damages a valuable piece of equipment that is needed by several people. Instead of just requiring the employee to pay for the damage, a restorative conference can be held to discuss what happened, those affected by the act can share how they are feeling, the person who broke the equipment can apologize and understand that their actions affected others, and a plan for restitution can be made.

• Community Building Activities:

Shake things up with team-building activities that focus on positive relationships and creating a sense of belonging. Fun activities contribute to a more unified and cooperative workplace.

How Restorative Practices Make Workplaces More Cooperative:

• Improved Communication:

Restorative practices create open lines of communication, letting team members share thoughts and concerns without fearing punishment. Better communication leads to understanding and cooperation.

• Increased Employee Satisfaction:

Employees feel valued when their concerns are heard and addressed using restorative practices. Higher job satisfaction means more productivity and happier employees.

• Positive Culture:

Embracing restorative practices builds a positive and inclusive organizational culture. This culture encourages collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to the organization's mission and values.

While restorative practices offer tons of benefits, there are times when strict punishment is necessary, especially for serious misconduct. Finding the right balance between restorative approaches and accountability ensures a workplace that's not only efficient but also caring and supportive.

Restorative practices bring a fresh perspective to the workplace, creating strong, cooperative teams. By putting communication, understanding, and accountability first, organizations can turn conflicts into opportunities for growth and make the workplace a thriving, enjoyable space. While recognizing the need for accountability through punishment in some cases, integrating restorative practices is a powerful way to build a workplace that's not just productive but also compassionate and supportive.