How to Show Respect to Your Coworkers

Everyone deserves respect.

If you want to reduce the stress in your work environment, one of the best things you can do is to show respect to your coworkers. Showing respect will earn you respect. It also allows you to get to know and befriend your coworkers. Respect is the first building block for the success of any relationship. This notion is just as true in the work place.

Instructions

1. Use your manners. Greet coworkers as you enter and exit work for the day. Always use "please," "thank you," and "pardon me." If you do, all of your requests will be seen as just that, and not orders. Manners can be actions as well. It means everything from covering your mouth when you sneeze or yarn, to holding the door or elevator open when you see a coworker coming.

2. Make pleasant small talk, but don't go too far with this concept. You do not have to talk for hours or know everything about your coworkers. Generally, people enjoy and feel more comfortable in working environments where they know each other.

3. Respect boundaries. People unknowingly cross personal and professional boundaries. For example, some people are too affectionate within the professional environment. Avoid standing, sitting or talking to close to someone. Give coworkers about an arm's length of space. You should never let a conversation on personal beliefs get heated at work. It's unprofessional and no matter how many coworkers agree with you, you will alienate some coworkers.

4. Lend a helping hand. This doesn't mean that you have to be a martyr, but don't always take the "that's not my job" attitude either. If you are having a particularly light day, or you see one of your coworkers drowning in work, offer to help. Your coworkers will appreciate your generous efforts. It'll probably make you feel good too.

5. Apologize if you are wrong and be humble. No one likes a show off. You can talk about the good characteristics, traits and relationships in your life without making people feel like you think are better than they are. No one is perfect, but what makes up your character is how you handle your mistakes. Coworkers will take notice.

6. Speak encouraging words to others. Being positive not only lifts your spirits, it lifts the spirits of those around you. No one wants to be around someone who is constantly negative or always complaining. It's just not professional.

7. Be supportive by being uplifting and congratulating to your co-workers when they need that. If you can master being supportive to your coworkers, you will earn their respect and might become a leader in their eyes.

References

• Nursetogether: Gaining the Respect of Your Co-Workers
• Library Support Staff: Co-Worker Relationships and Communications