Respect in the workplace
IT is said that one of the most important bases of any successful workplace is respect between employees. Respect is critical to a functional, healthy workplace. Respect is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as a feeling or understanding that someone or something is important, serious, etc., and should be treated in an appropriate way.
An example of respect is consideration for other people's privacy, their physical space and belongings; and respect for different viewpoints, philosophies, physical ability, beliefs and personality. This makes employees know they are valued for their abilities, qualities and achievements.
Research maintains that respect promotes teamwork and increases productivity and efficiency in the workplace. Many a workplace are able to foster solidarity and collaboration between and among their employees. Staff work optimally knowing they are valued and respected for their ideas as well as their role within the company.
A respectful work environment can increase employee retention and boost an organization's reputation as a great place to work. But there are times when workplaces also see a whole lot of conflicts, misunderstanding, lack of attendance and low productivity. Although several factors may be attributed as causes for this, still the failure of a workplace can be ascribed greatly to the type of leader it has. It could happen that the leader himself is deficient in respect for his subordinates that affects greatly how employees treat him and their work. What goes on in a workplace sometimes mirrors the leader. A hostile work environment may possibly be a result of an indifferent leader.
A workplace that has a leader who respects and values his employees promotes a positive work culture where employees are loyal, fulfilled, and motivated to perform at their best for their company. Always treat people the way you want to be treated— with respect. Recognize that, like you, your coworkers, subordinates and superiors have rights, opinions, wishes, experience, and competence. They also make mistakes, which are simply lessons to be learned. They have similar concerns and insecurities, and share the common goal of wanting to perform their jobs successfully.