Recently, I wrote on the COE Core Values and started a series going more in depth, starting with Customer Service and Safety. Today, we’re continuing the discussion with our next Core Value of Respect. People want to work for a company where they feel appreciated and respected. In fact, employees continue to say that Respect is the top attribute they look for when seeking new job opportunities. This makes sense—when you Respect someone, you consider them worthy of your time, attention, and trust. They’re not just some stranger; they’re an individual with unique gifts and abilities. Working in an environment where everyone feels heard and valued is directly linked to employees feeling fulfilled and productive. This then positively influences a company’s performance. Working in a collaborative and respectful environment doesn’t happen by accident; it takes constant effort from leaders, managers, and the rest of your team. But what exactly is Respect, and why is it so important in the workplace? If you aren’t sure, keep reading for more information.

What Does Respect Look Like?

Oxford Dictionary describes Respect as a strong feeling of approval or polite behavior towards somebody/something because of their good qualities or achievements. You approve of someone for who they are. You build a positive connection with them, built on a solid foundation. Respect is shown through basic gestures on a daily basis. From taking the time to have a conversation, a simple smile, or even a simple ‘thank you’ conveys respect for another in any given environment. A great way to get a handle on what Respect looks like in the workplace is to think about what it’s not. Microaggressions are subtle comments or actions that may not be meant to be offensive, but still communicate a lack of Respect. Inconsiderate Behaviors are the things you might not even realize are disrespectful, but can have a real impact on your colleagues. Feeling Ignored is one of the most common feelings of disrespect among employees ranging from being left out of important conversations to having your ideas and suggestions ignored. Keeping your insights to positively affect your professional relationships ensures those you interact with feel approved and appreciated. They feel seen and Respected.

Why Is Respect Important In The Workplace?

A healthy workplace culture is one where employees feel heard and valued, and management feels confident in their employees’ abilities. But it’s a delicate balance, and one that doesn’t happen automatically. If you’ve ever worked in a place where people didn’t feel heard or appreciated, you know how difficult it is to perform at your best. Maintaining a respectful workplace environment is one of the best ways to help your team thrive. When employees feel valued and Respected, they’re more likely to stay with the company and perform well. And when managers and team leaders are Respectful, they feel more confident in their employees’ abilities, which helps them make decisions and solve problems more effectively.

"Since day one COE has provided me with opportunity. I feel respected simply because we are heard when voicing our concerns and dislikes and I leave each day feeling as though I am a valued part of this company and not a person COE sees as someone, they pay to do a job, I can honestly say this by far is my favorite job and the BEST company I have worked for!"

- Paola Ramirez | CSR Team Lead, COE Distributing

5 Ways To Build A Culture Of Respect

Of course, none of this happens overnight. To build a culture of Respect, you’ll need to be intentional about it. Here are five ways to do just that.

1. Start with Yourself - It all begins with you, the leader or manager. If you’re not practicing Respect in your day-to-day interactions, none of your employees will feel valued. This doesn’t mean you have to be soft-spoken and gentle at all times, but you do need to treat your team members with Respect, even when you’re disagreeing with them.
2. Create a Clear Policy Around Feedback - While feedback is a great tool for improving performance and helping employees succeed, if it’s given in the wrong way, it can have the opposite effect. Create a clear policy around feedback that includes best practices for giving both positive and negative feedback, and stick to it.
3. Set and Model Clear Expectations - What do you expect from your employees? What do you expect them to do during their workdays? Make sure everyone is on the same page, and then make those expectations clear. When you model this behavior, you’re also setting expectations for how your team should Respect one another.
4. Be Open to New Ideas - In every workplace, there are people who come from all kinds of backgrounds. Even if you’re in charge, you don’t always know everything and you don’t always have the answers. Be open to new ideas, processes, and suggestions from your team members. Encourage them to do the same with you. Being open to new ideas tells your team that you’re open and willing to listen to them. You’re portraying the message “You’re Important, Your Ideas Are Important.”
5. Say Something With Words or Gestures - Sometimes, it’s the little things that really go a long way. Letting someone know they’re Respected and valued comes from a gentle “thank you” or acknowledgment of something they’ve done. This will help encourage your team in a positive way, pushing them to work harder and bring inspiring ideas to the table.

Respect is one of the most important aspects of any workplace. From setting clear expectations to celebrating individual accomplishments, there are many ways that managers can facilitate a positive work environment. When employees feel Respected, they are more likely to feel fulfilled and connected to the team. Likewise, managers who demonstrate respect for their employees are likely to see an increase in performance and productivity. All this makes it clear that a culture of respect is a win for everyone involved - and it's something that can be worked towards and achieved. So, don't wait any longer! Start implementing these strategies today to help build a culture of respect in your office.