Respect

Ever a Workplace Issue

The topic of respect comes up everywhere in the workplace these days - during training sessions, staff meetings, and organizational assessment, too. Some companies include it in their definition of workplace diversity.

In general, respect means the extent to which someone is valued, liked or esteemed, the extent to which a person is treated with courtesy, or the extent to which one's ideas are heard and welcomed.

What Is Workplace Respect?

In the early stages of a diversity project, we often conduct focus groups or interviews. Participants share experiences of how they are treated or regarded. Some say they are not respected or that they are undervalued.

One thing is clear. Not everyone defines respect the same way. Some people want respect as individuals. Others are sensitized to slights directed at groups - especially if they're members of groups that have historically been the target of discrimination.

Sometimes respect applies to intellectual capacity. Two scientists may not like one another personally, but they can have great respect for the rigor of each other's scientific processes.

A lack of respect in the workplace is poor business practice and can result in lowered productivity, lost customers, and dissatisfied staff. If unchecked, it can produce turnover and expose your organization to discrimination or harassment charges.

How to Build and Increase Respect

1. Make sure that every employee understands your organization's standards and policies.
2. Promptly interrupt inappropriate behavior and apply appropriate sanctions as needed.
3. Find opportunities to build a common understanding of the word respect.
4. Incorporate the notion of respect into training and development activities.
5. Apply the Platinum Rule.

Most of us have grown up with the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." The Platinum Rule is: "Do unto others as they would have you do unto them."