The importance of respect in the workplace is an ongoing issue.   More employers are concerned due to the lack of it.  Why is disrespect so rampant in our society today?  It starts in the home.

Children often don’t respect their parents and in turn other adults including teachers and administrators in schools.  These are the people who are members of the Gen Y and Gen Z groups, workers of the future.

Will they be able to step up and take on responsibility and have the commitment needed for the future?  Parents have a big job which many are not willing to do to train kids in the value of work, sacrifice, dependability, commitment, etc.

Too many are handed everything and not required to do any chores at home or any duties outside the home. Learning to understand the value of money and how it is earned is missing from many families.

A culture of respect and civility is important in a work environment for good communications and interactions.

Every day the news has reports of people in government  and business who have misused funds, embezzled money, stolen data, and many other illegal and prohibited actions.

It costs consumers when this happens. There should be severe punishment for these “blue collar” crimes.

Elected officials in whom we have put our trust compromise values making selfish decisions in a mode of thinking that they believe that they are beyond the law.  More stringent monitoring should be in place to hold them accountable.

When it comes to business, a Code of Ethics is important but monitoring and enforcement are crucial.

With a commitment to consistently treating co-workers and customers with dignity and respect a place is created free of harassment, discrimination, bullying, workplace violence, unethical actions and other disrespectful and potentially illegal behaviors.

Our workplaces are reflections of society at large where incivility is a serious problem that is getting worse by the day.

Many executives and managers with Human Resources involvement and support spend inordinate amounts of time dealing with, mediating issues, solving the problems of the results of employees’ disputes.  Many of these are rooted in disrespect for others.

This decreases morale, drains productivity, increases turnover and negatively impacts the company’s bottom line as well as the overall economy.

Moving an organization from a fertile ground for disrespect to a respectful culture requires support from the top and tremendous commitment. All levels of employees should receive focus.

Each person taking responsibility for acting in a manner that demonstrates respect for others, as well as self-respect will make a difference, one at a time.

How can it be accomplished?  Ideas are listed:

1. Focus on other people’s needs and consider how your communications will impact others.

2. Communicate by learning good listening skills.  Listen to others’ ideas with an open mind. Appreciate diverse opinions.

3. Work to build camaraderie among the staff. Avoid labeling and stereotyping.

4. Do not make assumptions, but check the facts before making a decision that could lead to damaged relationships.

5. Do not participate in office gossip.  Don’t whine or complain.  Avoid negative interactions.

6. Re-enforce positive behavior in others.  Avoid negativity. Reach out and support and compliment others’s outstanding work.

There are many more ways to promote respect.  Everyone has a desire to be respected in your personal life and work life.

Build your self-confidence and show respect for others, even if you don’t like the person.

Sharing knowledge and expertise with others is an effective way to build and maintain respect.  Respect others rights to be different, think differently.

If everyone agrees some are unnecessary.  Being treated with respect and dignity is sought after by people at all levels.  Treat others like you would like to be treated. Talk to others like you would like to be talked to.

Remember that everyone makes mistakes.  Respect can be earned by anyone.  It is not a given.

Treating others with dignity and respect will build your reputation and result in your being respected.

Each person has a responsibility to build respect in your home and in your work place.  Remember respect is a two-way street.

 

Becky Vaughn-Furlow retired from Trustmark Bank as executive vice president and human resources director. She can be contacted by emailing bvaughnfurlow@gmail.com.