Fostering Workplace Respect

Respect is defined as the respect of self and others. With respect, everyone feels appreciated and acknowledged. It is the basis of human relations. Wherever you are, at work, at home, or out with friends, respecting yourself and others will give you credibility.

In the workplace, respect is an essential part of self-respect; it is a birthright for all individuals. Each person has a valuable role to fulfill, whether we agree with their way of doing it or not.

If their way of living interferes with the way we view the world, we must negotiate reasonable ways to work with them or find a different space to occupy, not condemn them for being who they are. This aspect of respect is a challenge for many people. However, with diligence, we can learn to be free from judgment and learn to accept that everyone has the right to exist.

To promote respect in the workplace, everyone should cultivate a workplace culture that embraces that respect. To do so, it is recommended to follow these guidelines:

• Accept all individuals regardless of their differences.


• Define the rights, responsibilities, and authorities of each team member.


• Define the appropriate conduct and values to be adopted without trying to impose our way of doing things, or our values, on others.


• Clearly state that each employee will be accountable for his actions and behaviors.


• Encourage discussions of differences and alternative points of view.


• Listen to a person’s concerns as you think that s/he would like them to be listened to.


• Implement formal communication processes through emails, newsletters, and regular meetings, and limit informal communication through rumors and gossip by keeping everyone aware of things going on in the company.

Remember that each person has a story, and we don’t have to know what each other’s story entails.

To know whether you are working in a respectful workplace, check the indicators shown below. If these indicators are applicable, Congratulations, you live in a respectful workplace, and if these indicators are not applicable, you have now in your hands the know-how to turn your workplace into a respectful workplace.

• Credit is given to employees when good work is completed.


• Employees assume responsibility for their behavior rather than making excuses or blaming others.


• Employees are committed to keeping each other informed and trust each other to pass along information appropriately.


• Employees collaborate on important issues asking each other’s opinions and expertise.


• Employees talk in terms of “we” instead of creating “us and them” distinctions.


• Employees focus on the main issue or mission and don’t get distracted by differences.


• Employees respect organizational structures and roles and don’t use them as weapons.


• Employees value each other’s background and experience rather than discrediting each other’s competence.


• Employees openly discuss concerns, criticisms, and conflicts respectfully.


• Employees speak positively about their work, the organization, and the future rather than negatively or expressing cynicism.

Now that we are more familiar with steps and approaches that can make our workplace a respectful one, we say and know indisputably that promoting respect and spreading it in the workplace helps the organization to function as one single body, with a heart that beats to the rhythm of success and a soul that reflects the happiness of its manpower.

Respect costs nothing, leaves the budget neutral, but gives everything and can lead to sustainable outcomes for workforce and leadership development.