Are good manners in the workplace dead? Should we rehabilitate respect?

Many of us who are in business since decades we have observed a degradation of good manners in the workplace. From ghosting to clear disrespectful attitudes, it has became frequent to see individuals passing totally sideways basic common sense in professional communications or respect of others, roles and time.

The observation of a degradation of good manners in the professional environment is not uncommon and has been noted by many individuals and researchers.

The rise of digital communication and remote work has led to increased interactions through email, messaging apps, and social media. These platforms can create a sense of anonymity and detachment, making it easier for people to be less polite or respectful than they might be in face-to-face interactions.

The fast-paced nature of modern work environments can lead to high levels of stress and pressure. When individuals feel overwhelmed or undervalued, they may be more prone to displaying aggressive or disrespectful behaviours.

Unfortunately, bad behaviour can sometimes become normalised in certain professional cultures or industries. If individuals witness their peers or superiors displaying disrespectful conduct without consequences, they may be more likely to mimic such behaviour.

Different generations may have varying perspectives on what constitutes good manners and professional etiquette. Younger generations might have grown up with different communication norms, which can sometimes clash with traditional expectations.

An increasing focus on productivity and constant availability can blur the boundaries between work and personal life. This imbalance might result in individuals becoming more irritable or less attentive to professional courtesies.

In globalised workplaces, people from diverse cultural backgrounds may have differing norms and expectations regarding professional behaviour and manners.

While it is challenging to pinpoint a single reason for the observed degradation of good manners, it is likely a combination of various factors.

Organizations can play a crucial role in fostering a respectful and courteous work environment by setting clear expectations, promoting empathy and understanding, and addressing any incidents of inappropriate behavior.

It's also essential to recognize that not all professional environments experience the same level of degradation of manners. Different industries, companies, and teams may have unique cultures and dynamics that impact how people interact.

RESPECT (from latin respicere or looking backward) might be a discipline to be taught or a value to rehabilitate ... But first things first: whoever does not respect himself cannot respect others!

And respect can take various forms; without being to narcissist, fostering these forms of respect in the workplace can contribute to promoting civility and good manners among employees.?

With Respect for Diversity, you can embrace and appreciate the diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives among employees. You can create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected regardless of their differences.

With Respect for Boundaries, you can recognise and respect personal boundaries and preferences. And avoid intrusive questions or behaviours and be mindful of individual comfort levels.

With Respect for Time, you can value each other's time by being punctual for meetings, respecting deadlines, and minimising interruptions during work hours.

With Respect for Opinions, you can encourage open discussions and allow for differing opinions without judgment or hostility. And create a safe space for constructive debates and idea-sharing.

With Respectful Communication, you can communicate in a polite and considerate manner. And use appropriate language, tone, and body language when interacting with colleagues.

With Active Listening, you can practice active listening by giving your full attention to the speaker, seeking to understand their perspective, and avoiding interruptions.

With Empathy, you can demonstrate empathy by understanding and acknowledging the feelings and experiences of others. Empathetic responses can diffuse conflicts and create a supportive atmosphere.

With Respect for Personal Lives, you can recognise that employees have personal lives outside of work. So you can avoid unnecessary intrusions and be understanding of personal challenges or emergencies.

With Respect for Professional Roles, you can value the expertise and contributions of colleagues in their respective roles. And recognise their skills and knowledge, regardless of their position in the organisational hierarchy.

With Respect for Feedback, you can be open to giving and receiving feedback in a constructive manner. Acknowledge the efforts of others in providing feedback for improvement.

With Respect for Autonomy, you can allow colleagues the freedom to make decisions within their roles and trust them to carry out their responsibilities.

With Respect for Work-Life Balance, you can encourage a healthy work-life balance by supporting employees' needs to recharge and take time off when necessary.

With Respect for Confidentiality: You can honour confidentiality and privacy concerns related to sensitive information shared in the workplace.

With Respect for Professional Development: you can support and encourage colleagues in their professional development goals and aspirations.

By promoting these various forms of respect, organizations can cultivate a culture of civility and good manners. When employees feel respected and appreciated, they are more likely to treat others with kindness and consideration, leading to a more harmonious and productive workplace.