Christian Values in the Workplace - Respect

In my opinion, respect is one of the most important values in the workplace. One of the greatest ways we can honor God at work is by treating others with respect, speaking words of grace to all around us: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29).

Have you ever been treated with a lack of respect? I’m sure that most of us have at one time or another. I certainly have at different times in my life. One fairly recent situation at a former employer comes to mind. I had participated in a meeting where we had lunch in the conference room. Later that day, my boss (who was standing in front of the conference room) flagged me down as I was leaving the building and ordered me to take the jug of tea out of the room. Really? He was standing right there. And I knew for sure that he would have never done that if I had been male. And this was not the first time I felt disrespected by him.

If everyone respected one another, it would basically solve most of the “people problems” that are experienced at work. It would certainly make my job as a Human Resources professional much easier. From what I have seen, most problems in the workplace stem from a lack of respect.

So, why do we need to respect others? Remember the golden rule.

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31

How do we show respect to others? Here are some examples.

• Treat people with fairness, respect, courtesy and kindness no matter their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, size, age, or country of origin
• Give and receive positive and constructive feedback gracefully
• Resolve disagreements in a healthy, respectful way
• Encourage others to share their opinions and ideas
• Listen to others without speaking over them or interrupting
• Do not insult, disparage or belittle others
• Use appropriate body language
• Treat others fairly

Together these form the foundation for a respectful workplace, though this list is by no means exhaustive. The benefits of enacting these behaviors in the workplace should be very obvious - increased productivity, a sense of integrity and trust, a more positive culture, transparent and free-flowing communication, and healthier, happier employees.

Here are some reasons why God expects us to respect others.

• We should respect others because they are made in the image of God - We should honor others as part of God’s creation.

           “For in the image of God has God made mankind.” Genesis 9:6 

• We should respect others as children of God - We should respect others as children of God and realize that God loves them as such. We should never dishonor someone God loves.

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10

• We should love our neighbor as ourselves - The Bible instructs us to “love our neighbor as ourselves.” (Mark 12:30-31) You can’t love your neighbor and not show them respect!