The modern workplace is a mixture of diverse backgrounds, generations, skills, and perspectives.
Thus, as an employer, you come to realize that it is vital to respect and value each of these particular aspects which in turn makes a work environment productive, agreeable and pleasant.
This article will talk about why respect is important in the workplace and how to create a respectful environment that promotes positive consequences for the employees and the organization overall.
1. An Employee Needs Colleagues and Employer’s Respect
Employees count on the approval of their co-workers and employers. They need their work and value to be recognized, especially by those in leadership positions.
2. Reduce Employees Stress
The respect-oriented workplace encourages stress reduction in the employees. Workers being respected do not tend to suffer from tension or anxiety in the face of interpersonal conflicts or some inadequacy.
Think of a subordinate who is being belittled or ridiculed by their boss many times, can lead to increased stress, which negatively impacts the employees’ mental health, job satisfaction or job performance.
Conversely, such stressors could be minimized by a supportive and respectful supervisor.
3. Motivate Employee Productivity and Collaboration
The respect is a powerful motivator. The employers who respect and support the employees, usually, lead them to success and the favorable relationship with their colleagues. This type of motivation is likely to have a lasting and great impact which material rewards can hardly achieve.
Respect is demonstrated in such ways when, for instance, your company fosters an open line of communication and all opinions of employees irrespective of their position and rank are valued.
This environment fosters high employee productivity and harmony since all participants understand that their propositions and thoughts are valued in fact
4. Protect Creativity
Respect could help you protect and nurture the creative potential of your staff.
The diversity of individuals is a generator of human creativity. Everyone is unique even their work styles, talents, and personalities that contribute so much in terms of ideas and point of views.
Imagine a team with extroverted and introverted characters. The friendly nature of the working environment allows both types of people to express their thoughts and take an active part in the project without fear of criticism.
5. Improve Employee Satisfaction
Respect can also provide employees with job satisfaction and increase their retention. Respectful work conditions can make employees more dedicated and loyal to the company.
For example, you can show your respect by providing a work-life balance for your employee.
6. Increase Employee Engagement
Respect is closely connected with employee engagement. When your employees feel that their voices are heard and their contributions are valued, they’ll be more engaged in their work.
You can facilitate constant feedback sessions and seek the input of employees in the decision-making process. This in turn could result to higher employee commitment and faithfulness to the organization.
7. Eliminate Harassment
Respect also brings about a reduction in harassment, discrimination and other forms of ill-treatment by cultivating a culture of respect that refuses to accept inappropriate behavior.
You may also choose to zero in on workplace bullying and adopt effective anti-harassment policies. You provide a safe and friendly workplace and employees feel and behave as if they are at home; this is always manifested in their best performance.
8. Foster a Fair Environment
A culture of dignity in the workplace is justice and equal opportunity for all employees. A people group of such type will always feel honored and loved.
All employees irrespective of their ethnicity, sex, or age have the opportunity to grow, move up, and develop professionally.
9. Create a Positive Work Environment
A company’s success relies on a positive work environment, which can be achieved by respect.
Under such environment, employees are given the opportunity to express their ideas, work together with the colleagues, and contribute to the success of the company, making it successful.
