What Fosters a Work Environment Characterized by Respect?

Good communication helps build an environment of respect.

A work environment characterized by respect is one in which all employees are treated with a high level of respect publicly and privately, regardless of their position; respect is given to all employees equally. When a company has an environment of respect, it is part of the company's culture. It's demonstrated and enforced by senior management.

Company Policy

The company must have a clear written policy for all employees to follow. The policy must dictate the type of behavior that is acceptable and encouraged and that which is not allowed. The code of conduct policy must not have any ambiguity and should clearly state exactly what it is that the company expects of employees and what constitutes a work environment of respect. The policy should be mandatory reading for each employee, and training workshops and tests can be implemented.

Relationship and Team Building

Employees are likely to respect others if they know one another better. Team-building and icebreaker exercises allow employees to open up with one another and learn about fellow employees. This can help employees understand the behavior of other employees and foster friendships. For example, if an employee has a reputation for being all business and very serious, other employees may assume he is unfriendly. If they knew more about him and that he is taking care of his sick mother, they may realize he is simply dealing with a lot and wants to make sure his job does not suffer.

Employees need to be encouraged to communicate, especially when there's a problem. Employees who know one another are more likely to speak face to face about any problems that arise, rather than complaining to anyone who will listen and contributing to a negative attitude among fellow employees.

Senior Management

The attitude of respect must be demonstrated and exemplified by senior management. Individuals in senior management must show every employee the same level of respect they hope to receive from every employee. This can be a shift from the conservative traditional style of management where lower level employees were often treated dismissively. For example, a senior management person should learn the names of employees lower on the corporate ladder and acknowledge them when they meet in the halls.

Enforcement

The policy of respect must also be enforced. Those who violate the policy must be dealt with immediately. Violations of the policy and the punishments for those violations should also be clearly explained in the company's code of conduct policy booklet. A policy of zero tolerance is necessary. A violation of such a policy of respect may include gossiping, bullying or criticizing the person rather than the work.

References

• "101 Tips for Graduates: A Code of Conduct for Success and Happiness in Your Professional Life;" Susan Morem; 2005
• "Company Use of Codes of Business Conduct;" Simon Webley and M. le Jeune; 1998
• "Carrots and Sticks Don't Work: Build a Culture of Employee Engagement with the Principles of RESPECT;" Paul L. Marciano; 2010
• "Building a Culture of Respect: Managing Bullying at Work;" Noreen Tehrani; 2001
• "Analyzing Policy: Choices, Conflicts, and Practice;" Michael C. Munger; 2000