Aiming For a Healthy Workplace Dynamic: Understanding the Value of Respect in the Workplace

A company’s success is not only determined by the quality of its products and services or customer metrics. Personal relationships and perceived behavior among employees in the workplace also have a significant effect on company productivity. With global conversation shifting towards diversity and inclusion, employee pools are now filled with differing perspectives, personalities and work style. A healthy workplace dynamic can determine if your greatly diverse employees perform optimally or contribute to a dysfunctional work environment.   

All employees, whether high in the hierarchy or low on the totem pole, want to feel respected and valued. People in the workplace want to know their feelings, ideas and presence, are respected by their colleagues. A recent study showed that globally, nearly 20,000 employees ranked respect as the most vital leadership behavior.

Being respectful in the workplace is not limited to employees alone. Employers must lead by example, also exhibiting acceptable conduct and a good attitude, as well as treating all employees fairly. Employers must be careful to find a good balance between showing owed and earned respect, with the former being accorded to all employees, while the latter is earned by those who have excelled in one way or another.  

There are several ways to demonstrate respect in the workplace. Some of these are;

• Anger management: People in a group will inevitably rub one another the wrong way sometimes. Maintaining control during moments of anger is essential, especially in a professional setting. People in the workplace should avoid getting fixated on what makes them irritable and learn to let little issues go. They should also understand their triggers and avoid them. Looking up and learning some anger management techniques can also be of help.  
• Proper Communication: Discourse that is laced with abrasive, belittling, dismissive or insulting language should be avoided at all times. Conversations among colleagues should always be polite, and any debates should be respectful and professional.
• Pay Attention: Acknowledge colleagues as much as possible. Small actions like greeting them, holding a door open, and offering help are subtle clues that communicate respect and value.
• Avoid Judging: Making hasty or unfair judgements about colleagues can affect how you talk and relate with them. Be willing to compromise and endeavor to be open to new perspectives, preferences and work styles. Most importantly, think about what you want to say or do and how it will make others feel.

Benefits Of A Workplace Culture Of Respect

The value of respect in the workplace cannot be overstated. Encouraging mutual respect in the workplace will:

Minimize stress, conflict, and communication problems

A consistent and strictly implemented culture of respect will improve communication between colleagues at every level of an organization. Such a positive atmosphere will optimize how well they work together. It will also reduce stress resulting from conflict and concern about negative perceptions.

Increase productivity

With respect to fostering mutual understanding and better communication, colleagues will be less focused on each other and more focused on company ideals and objectives. Business decisions will be suggested and respected, and tasks will be implemented eagerly. Less friction will also mean more time to improve individual growth and team productivity.

Improve knowledge-sharing

When there is mutual respect, and higher chances of positive reception, employees are more likely to exchange ideas and bounce suggestions off one another freely. This will lead to an increase in knowledge, skills, and expertise.

Decrease turnover rates

Feeling respected contributes to job satisfaction, commitment, and loyalty. Motivated employees will remain longer where they feel well treated and apply themselves diligently to their work, leading to company growth.

In Closing

Promoting a culture of respect in the workplace and improving employee dynamics will stop employees from being side-tracked by unimportant matters and enable them to unleash their full potential and remain highly productive.

At AE technology Group, we create customized and innovative solutions that foster team collaboration and build a stronger organizational culture. Contact us today!

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