Why a respectful work environment is important!

Respect at work isn’t just limited to greeting your seniors as you pass them by. Respect is simply showing appreciation towards the other person, be it your managers, subordinates, or community helpers. It is showing the other person that you value their existence. From a simple ‘good morning’ to actively seeking feedback on work from your teammates, respect towards other people can be manifested in different ways.?

Respect for each creates a positive work environment. Imagine having to work at a place where you are treated like you do not know anything despite having years of experience. When you treat others with respect, others reciprocate. Here are some benefits why respect at work is so important.

Reduced stress levels - When people treat you respectfully, you feel happy and confident about who you are. You feel free to share your thoughts and voice your concerns. This has a positive effect on your mental health and helps to reduce stress and tension.?

Creates a fair environment - ?Incidence of biases, favoritism, harassment, etc., is practically eliminated when co-workers and managers show respect for each other. There is a sense of fairness in the environment when everyone has an equal chance of being heard and showcasing their skills.

Increased job satisfaction - Conflicts and misunderstandings are common in work environments that have no respect for employees. As a result, employees are resentful, resulting in lower productivity. On the other hand, employees experience a sense of satisfaction and loyalty towards work when their opinions and ideas are respected and valued.

Improves knowledge sharing - When employees respect each other, they feel free to share their ideas and build relationships. This transfer of knowledge and information leads to individual growth and increased team productivity.

Boosts bottom line - Increased employee engagement, satisfaction, and productivity ultimately lead to increased profits. When people love and respect the people they work with, work becomes fun, where people come together to make things happen. Managers no longer have to micromanage because employees don’t lie, bunk, or dodge responsibilities. They are honest and committed to the organization and its goals.

Many people leave seemingly high-paying jobs at large organizations for much smaller opportunities simply because they were not respected there. Salaries, bonuses, and benefits are not worth the stress. After all, as Ralph Waldo Emerson put it, “Every human being of whatever origin, whatever station deserves respect. We must each respect others even as we respect ourselves”

What does respect in the workplace mean to you? Tell us in the comments below!