Mutual Respect In The Workplace Archives

In today’s workforce, more than half of all employees feel they do not receive the respect they deserve. This article will provide a few easy ways your workplace can demonstrate respect towards all employees.

What Is Respect In The Workplace?

We all know what respect is, but how can we feel it in the office? Respect is mutual; it’s something you feel when you treat someone well and you are treated well in return. This can be implemented in all aspects and levels of the workplace. While respect should always be shown at work, that isn’t always the case, unfortunately.

Everyone, from managers to employees, needs to demonstrate respect in the workplace. This will help to create a good and safe work environment for all. One helpful tip is to find certain abilities and/or characteristics that you admire or relate to in your teammates; showing respect based off that.

The problem facing many workplaces today is that leadership lacks the understanding of respect. Respect is so important in every environment, but especially in the office. Respect helps all workers to be more positive and productive while on the clock. While some bosses or co-workers can feel like family, it’s equally as important for them to feel and show respect, as well.

Ways To Show Respect In The Workplace

Here are a few strategies to implement in the office to increase respect and trust:

1. Never Exclude

Keep a close eye on any potential cliques that may be forming in the workplace. Employees tend to separate themselves based on seniority or department. In a workplace you want everyone on the same page, so try to keep cliques from forming. Cliques can create division and a lack of trust.

Many mangers opt for brief morning meetings to build better communication within the office. Show each employee exactly what every individual brings to the table. This will slowly but surely translate into more respect across the workplace. Hosting occasional events outside the office is another proven way to strengthen relationships. Whether you want to take the team out for a meal or sports game, these activities always work best when they are fun and optional.

2. Zero Tolerance For Harassment

Make this a well known policy from day one. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated at the workplace. Few things can worsen or create a toxic environment faster than harassment. The unfortunate part of this is that most of the harassment will go unreported or ignored. Any management team that allows this behavior to continue will not only create a negative environment, it could welcome any and all lawsuits at the same time.

Every employee needs to know that harassment is not tolerated and will be dealt with promptly. Consequences need to be clear and severe. Post these policies/rules throughout the office or hold occasional meetings to remind your team of what workplace etiquette is all about.

3. Always Be Transparent

Transparency is a huge part of building trust and respect. By promoting an open environment with clear communication, you earn respect as a result of demonstrating trust. Make sure all your employees know where to look and how to find valuable company information. Enhanced access to work documents makes employees feel respected.

You may be surprised at how quickly your team will bond and grow tighter over time just by being transparent. Employees who are treated with respect are more likely to pass that respect on, creating a warm, welcoming and productive environment.

4. Say The Right Things

Workplace etiquette has come a long way, especially in just the past decade. Use constructive criticism when addressing concerns. Constructive criticism is used to promote growth, but too much of it can really wear certain individuals out. While using this style, also be careful not to step over the line of micromanagement. Micromanagers send a clear sign to their employees that they are not trusted. With increased remote work nowadays, your conversations with employees may be limited. Make sure to use the valuable conversations for growth and encouragement.

Helping your employees improve is important, but never missing a chance to celebrate accomplishments is vital, too. Go out of your way to recognize individual achievements, whether they are in the workplace or at home. Set a positive example and this could lead to others’ using this style, as well.

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How To Promote Respect In The Workplace