6 Transformative Benefits of Respect in the Workplace
Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash
Do you feel valued and respected in your workplace?
The simple act of extending common courtesies, like saying "good morning," goes beyond mere politeness—it's a demonstration of respect, an acknowledgment of one's existence. Surprisingly, over half of employees admit to not regularly experiencing respect from their leaders.
Whether you're actively listening to a colleague or cleaning up after yourself in the office kitchen, showing respect for others in the workplace provides at least six transformative benefits.
Why respect at work matters
Contributes to Job Satisfaction: Engaged and productive employees thrive in environments where respect is a cornerstone.
Increases Employee Engagement: According to a study, employees revealed that respect topped the list as the behaviour most likely to enhance engagement and commitment, surpassing feedback, recognition, and opportunities for development.
Creates a Fair Environment: A culture of respect eliminates workplace hazing, harassment, and horseplay, fostering a fair environment. When managers respect their team members, the foundation for quality work and relationships flourish.
Stress Reducer: Respected employees experience less stress, freed from the fear of being overlooked or mistreated. This sense of freedom allows individuals to be themselves, contributing to a healthier work environment.
Improves Knowledge Sharing: In respectful workplaces, employees naturally share ideas, fostering relationships and creating an environment conducive to knowledge exchange. This leads to individual growth and enhanced team productivity.
Boosts the Bottom Line: Improved employee engagement, a fair environment, reduced stress, and enhanced knowledge sharing all contribute to a healthier bottom line for companies. Respect transforms the workplace into a positive space, replacing negativity with joy, and boosting overall productivity.
How to show respect at work
Control Your Words and Actions
Practice active listening to demonstrate respect. Repeat the speaker's words in your mind, showing attentiveness and fostering a respectful atmosphere.
Empathise with Others
Empathy is a powerful tool for building respect. Stepping into someone else's shoes and understanding their needs fosters a deeper connection and promotes respect.
Recognise and Acknowledge Achievements
Whether it's publicly praising someone during a team meeting or privately thanking them for their hard work, recognising achievements demonstrates that you value their efforts and contributions to the team's success. This encourages a positive work environment and motivates employees to continue performing at their best.
Bottom-line
Ultimately, showing respect in the workplace is about embracing the basics—greeting one another, pitching in to help, listening intently, and being kind!