People often wonder what the differences are between working in an office or organization which requires a security clearance and one which does not. For those who have experienced both situations, the answer would probably focus more on the obvious answer which is the security aspect. But what about the personal relationships and atmosphere for co-workers? Is it very different?
To understand what is required for a security clearance and who is eligible, below is a brief explanation of what is involved in the three clearance levels, and the process for becoming a cleared professional:
Confidential requires safeguards for any material which, if improperly disclosed, could be reasonably expected to cause some measurable damage to national security. The vast majority of military personnel are given this very basic level of clearance. It must be reinvestigated every 15 years.
Secret refers to the level of a clearance where any unauthorized disclosure of the information this clearance covers could be expected to cause grave damage to national security. This level gets reinvestigated every 10 years.
Top Secret is the most difficult to obtain and individuals with this clearance have access to information or material that could be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to national security if it was released without authorization. This level needs to be reinvestigated every five years. The basic process for becoming a cleared profession is as follows:
1) Applicants must go through the application phase, which involves verification of U.S. citizenship, fingerprinting and completion of a security questionnaire.
2) Thorough background checks are performed. Family members, friends, former co-workers, and neighbor may be called upon to vouch for and attest to certain details which were listed in the security questionnaire.
3) The adjudication phase is the final phase of the process where the findings from the investigation are reviewed, and then evaluated based on thirteen factors; to include, criminal and personal conduct, substance abuse and/or serious mental disorders.
4) A clearance is granted or denied when this part of the process has been completed.
But simply having a clearance for security purposes is not enough. Employees must also maintain and show proper standards of behavior and boundaries in their place of employment.
Healthy interaction and communication between employees, management, and staff, is vital for any workplace to be successful and functional. Unfortunately, many people don’t fully appreciate or understand the value of maintaining proper boundaries; and how they are critical for achieving harmony and civility in an office environment.
Working with co-workers and management forty or more hours a week is bound to cause stress, and even conflict, at certain times. Often employees have pressures at home that can spill over into their work life. The ability to discuss and properly deal with conflict and stress is probably one of the greatest challenges facing management and staff alike.
Listed below are some examples of inappropriate and improper boundaries that can be happen in the workplace:
1. Verbal Abuse, in written or verbal form: It is never acceptable to yell or scream at subordinates or co-workers. Additionally, sending insulting or abusive emails is just as unacceptable. Once a pattern of abusive language or yelling has been established, it is hard to reverse this behavior. Responsible senior leadership must ensure that yelling, or insulting language directed toward employees, is not tolerated.
2. Improper relationship between employees: Relationships in the workplace need to be maintained at a professional level at all times. Managers and supervisors should avoid being inappropriate or overly familiar with their subordinates in the office. Many firms forbid managers from dating their subordinates, for good reasons. If co-workers develop a relationship outside of the office, discretion and common sense should keep their personal life separate from their work life.
3. Offensive jokes or rude comments have no place in an office: Humor is often an excuse for employees to say very inappropriate things in the workplace. While everyone enjoys some humor now and then, unprofessional or offensive remarks are not tolerable or permissible in the workplace.
4. Asking co-workers for loans or advances: The economy has been hard on most people for the past few years, but asking a co-worker for a loan is unfair and professionally improper. Management should strongly discourage this practice.
5. Bullying or intimidation: No person should ever feel threatened or fearful in their place of employment. If an employee makes threatening remarks or improper comments toward other staff, they need to be counseled and/or terminated.
When healthy and functional boundaries break down, dysfunctional behaviors and actual abuse can manifest. It is critical to diligently preserve proper boundaries and behavior, and suitably manage any negative situations that may arise in an office. Education and firm guidance are two principal means to achieve success in support of healthy boundaries, and avoid the consequences of bad behavior and abuse.
Diana M. Rodriguez is a native Washingtonian who currently works as a professional writer, blogger, social media expert, commentator, editor and public affairs practitioner. Diana previously worked as an editor and senior communications analyst for the Department of Defense.
