Earning Respect from Co-Workers

Having Respect in a workplace environment is necessary for creating thriving employment relations, reducing employee turnover, and increasing productivity among co-workers.

Courtesy, kindness, and regarding your colleagues mutually can go a long way to building a respectful work environment. Did you know that respected employees are more efficient?

For employers, the first step towards providing a respectable work environment for workers is educating them about self-respect. Research shows that most successful businesses have conducive work environments.

Unfortunately, providing a respectful work environment is a challenge for most employers. However, the labour lawyer in Toronto can simplify the process for employers.

10 Ways to Earn Respect from Co-Workers

The following are some of the ways employees can earn respect from co-workers:

1. Being Competent

Competent workers prioritize their jobs by striving to excel thus, earning a good reputation. For instance, being punctual, dependable, and achieving targets demonstrates personal accountability.

Also, competence involves proving that colleagues trust you. In other words, are you an asset or liability to the organization?

2. Complimenting Colleagues

Research shows that sincere compliments promote can promote good rapport and goodwill – fostering thriving workplace relationships. No one hates to get recognized for excellent performance and achievements.

Complementing colleagues shows you’re not selfish and can be a team player. Also, avoid taking credit for co-workers’ work or achievements to avoid losing respect from colleagues.

3. Learn to Volunteer

Go the extra mile to help struggling colleagues– don’t wait to be requested. However, be cautious when helping out to avoid being a know-it-all – ensure help is needed before taking over.

You can also volunteer to serve (under supervision) on senior positions, such as committees– offering new ideas or perspectives and accepting new challenges will help demonstrate your leadership skills.

4. Strive to be “a Happy and Upbeat” Employee

I’m sure you’ve noted that the popular people in your company are always happy, humorous, and fun to be around. Being positive and optimistic can help encourage the discouraged.

Besides, colleagues respect you for your cheerful, but sincere, personality.

5. Being Emotionally Intelligent

Emotional intelligence means being sensitive to other people – employees and employers, opinions, emotions, and feelings. The traits of a sensitive colleague can include:

Listening and being attentive when others are speaking;

A positive body language;
Being genuinely interested in what the person addressing you is saying;
Reciprocating kindness shown by colleagues.

6. Observe Office Etiquette

Office etiquette helps build positive relationships and promotes respect at work. Acts of politeness, such as saying thank you, you’re welcome, and I’m sorry show one has good manners.

Also, avoid habits that can turn your colleagues off like expecting others to clean your mess after meals or being unhygienic.

7. Respecting Colleagues

Showing mutual respect, even when you don’t agree with your colleagues’ opinions helps avoid clashes or unnecessary disputes in the workplace.

The corporate world is unpredictable and the employee you’re disrespecting today might be your boss in the future. Besides, respect given is respect earned–never expect to be treated with special consideration.

8. Learn to Manage Emotions

Colleagues who have unpredictable or unregulated emotions are typically a turn-off, and they’re often shunned by their co-workers. Unexplained outbursts or mood swings are signs of toxic co-workers.

Granted, you can lose your temper if colleagues disappoint you–but how do you manage such situations? Raising your voice is not a good way of solving disputes–it can put you at odds with the management.

Consequently, it’s important to be patient, understanding, and calm to earn respect from colleagues at all times.

9. Foster Inclusivity

Employees should strive to foster a culture of inclusivity in the workplace to ensure everyone will feel welcome, valued, and safe to share their opinions. Fostering inclusivity in the workplace involves:

Acting as a role model;

Embracing diversity;
Intervening where you can. For instance, saving a co-worker from an office bully respectfully;
Considering different opinions.

10. Avoiding Office Drama

Rumor–mongering, alienating some workers, and gossiping, are some of the features of a hostile workplace. Being the source of office drama can damage your reputation and derail your prospects.

You can avoid office gossip by changing the subject if a colleague approaches you with unnecessary information, particularly gossip about colleagues.

You’ll earn respect from coworkers by maintaining confidentiality, minding your business, and setting appropriate boundaries in the workplace.

Sharing the Office with Rude Co-workers

The best way to handle rude coworkers is to try to resolve your differences by engaging rude colleagues– the human resources department should be involved if the situation escalates.

Also, the following suggestions can help in handling rude coworkers respectfully:

Introducing yourself to colleagues if you or the colleague is new to the organization.

Establishing ground rules for office-sharing etiquette
Try to befriend rude coworkers by considering their advice and respecting their space.
Report rude colleagues to authorities.

Help rude coworkers understand why appropriate office behavior is necessary for the workplace.

Employees are entitled to respectful workplace environments, according to employment statutes. Always remember that respect goes a long way in building a conducive workplace environment.