Respect in the Workplace: 5 Ways to Help Your Coworkers Feel Respected

Being treated with disrespect is now one of the top reasons why Americans are quitting their jobs, second only to low pay and lack of opportunity for advancement, according to the Pew Research Center.

In any workplace, mutual respect is essential for maintaining a positive and productive environment. Unfortunately, there are always going to be difficult personalities and people who don't adhere to the same standards of respectful behavior. As a result, it can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that showing respect is someone else's responsibility.

However, it's important to remember that we all have a role to play in creating a respectful workplace. By making an effort to show respect for your coworkers, you can help create a culture of mutual respect that will benefit everyone.

What is causing employees to quit their job due to a feeling of disrespect?

One of the main reasons why employees are quitting their job due to a feeling of disrespect is because they don't feel valued or appreciated by their coworkers and bosses. This can be caused by microaggressions, such as insensitive comments or exclusion from team activities, as well as larger issues like unfair treatment or a lack of communication.

Respect matters in the workplace because it creates a positive and productive environment where everyone feels valued and heard. According to this article by Harvard Business Review, there are?two distinct types?of respect at work: the fundamental level of respect that we are all due as individuals and members of the workforce, as well as the additional respect that we earn for meeting or exceeding job requirements

How to Build respect with your coworkers

What specifically should you do to help your coworkers feel respected?

1. Avoid Gossiping

Gossiping is one of the quickest ways to make someone feel disrespected. Not only is it hurtful and unnecessary, but it also undermines the trust that's so essential for effective teamwork. If you wouldn't say something to someone's face, don't say it behind their back.?

2. Be diplomatic

It's perfectly normal to have disagreements with your coworkers from time to time. However, it's important to handle these disagreements in a diplomatic way that doesn't make the other person feel belittled or disrespected. When you're sincere in your efforts to find common ground and reach a resolution, it'll be much easier to maintain a respectful relationship with your coworker.?

3. Listen

We've all been there; we're in the middle of a conversation and we can't wait to jump in and share our own story or opinion. But resist the urge! Listening is a much underrated communication skill. When we listen, we show that we value what the other person has to say. We also give them the opportunity to be heard, which can help them feel respected.

4. Respect people's time

One of the quickest ways to make someone feel disrespected is by regularly interrupts them or monopolizing their time without regard for their schedule or priorities. If you need someone's attention, ask if now is a good time or if they have a few minutes to chat. And when they're clearly busy or preoccupied, resist the urge to intrude and wait until another time to talk.?

5. Ask for Their Input

In addition to including your coworkers in the decision-making process, it's also important to ask for their input on a regular basis. This shows that you value their opinion and that you're open to hearing new ideas. Asking for input also shows that you trust your teammates to have good ideas and that you're not afraid of being challenged.

Conclusion:?

Respect is essential for maintaining positive and productive working relationships—but it's not always easy to show respect for your coworkers, especially when you don't feel like they're respecting you. However, by making an effort to avoid gossiping, being diplomatic, being mindful of your body language, and respecting people's time, you can help create a culture of mutual respect at work that will benefit everyone involved.