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It is widely known that an organization which promotes a respectful workplace, benefits the staff and improves a company's performance. A study by the Harvard Business Review revealed that out of the 98% of employees who reported uncivil behaviour, 47% intentionally decreased their time spent at work, 38% intentionally decreased their work quality, and 78% claimed their commitment to the organization declined. This article suggests eight ways for employers to achieve a respectful workplace.
Defining your organization's culture, core values, and ground rules by drafting a code of conduct. Collaborating with employees and letting them be part of the decision process may be especially beneficial.
Effective communication is essential for building and maintaining healthy relationships and workplaces are no exception. It is crucial to ensure that all team members, including new hires, are familiar with the organization's culture, rules, and code of conduct and receive adequate training. Moreover, it is equally important to recognize and appreciate their efforts and achievements and not only highlight their shortcomings. Failing to acknowledge their hard work can make employees feel undervalued and unappreciated.
It is essential to create an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their concerns without the fear of retaliation. This can be achieved by providing them with a platform to share their concerns anonymously, for example, through regular feedback surveys.
There are various ways to demonstrate to your employees that you value them as individuals, not just for their work. While a fair salary and appropriate benefits are the most obvious, offering a flexible work schedule or hybrid work options can be particularly advantageous for those with families or busy personal lives. Another way is by assisting employees in advancing their careers and promoting their growth, such as paying for a portion of their tuition fees when they return to college, providing desirable opportunities for promotion, and hosting professional or self-development seminars.
Making rules about respectful behaviour and preventing discrimination in the workplace is not always enough. If you witness workplace bullying or disrespectful behaviour, take immediate action. For example, talk to the individuals involved or take further steps, such as termination in severe or ongoing cases.
Hiring individuals from diverse backgrounds is essential for promoting inclusivity and diversity within your company. It can provide the organization with various perspectives and viewpoints to enhance its performance in an increasingly diverse and globalized world. However, it's essential to go beyond the hiring process and ensure that every employee experiences genuine inclusivity, equal opportunities, fair treatment, and accessibility. Additionally, attempting to recruit individuals who align with your organizational culture can be beneficial.
Creating personal connections among team members can significantly enhance the workplace environment. Offering your employees opportunities to attend company dinners, trips, and team-building exercises can all be effective ways to foster such relationships.
Regardless of the workplace rules, it is vital to lead by example and practice what you preach. Creating a respectful work environment requires you to show respect to your employees, empathize with them, and treat them the way you wish to be treated yourself. Additionally, you must be willing to accept constructive feedback, take responsibility for your actions, and apologize if you have treated someone poorly, even unintentionally. Only by embodying the values you expect from your company will your efforts be taken seriously and people will follow your lead in creating a more positive and respectful workplace.
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