Workplace values are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics.
In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur.
A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone.
With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?
In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of respect and 3 ways you can practice respect at your office.
What is respect?
Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?
According to Lexico.com, respect refers to a “due regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others.” It has also been referred to as “a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities or achievements.”
Let’s take a moment to let that definition sink in.
When placed into the context of a working environment, respect can take on both definitions at an office. Across both meanings, a sense of esteem regard seems to be a common ground.
As with any workplace value, we use respect as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual. How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂
How to practice respect at the office?
Practicing the workplace value of respect at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures.
More often than not, we deduce the respect we have for an individual through the little things. It’s often through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle that we express how much someone means to us.
As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing respect at the office!
Listening is a great first step
Listening to what your colleagues have to say is one of the first steps you can take to practice respect at the workplace.
Try your best to listen to what others have to share before diving into your own conversation points. This simple yet meaningful act suggests to others that you are keen on hearing them out and value their ideas too.
With that being said, here’s a key pointer you can take note of. Sometimes, listening is all you need to do. You don’t have to always come up with a response to everything that someone may be talking about. So make sure you are giving your colleagues their fullest attention!
Besides, listening is a great tool for those looking to improve their communication skills too. That’s a plus on plus! 😉
Pay attention to your body language
Non-verbal communication also sends out whether or not you are respecting someone else as you communicate with them. As such, the second way you can practice the workplace value of respect is by paying attention to your body language.
Your tone of voice, facial expressions, and general mannerisms can give away a lot as to what you may be thinking.
The fact of the matter is people don’t just listen, after all. They tend to pay attention to all the non-verbal communication signals our body gives off.
Leaning in while someone is speaking with you, maintaining eye contact with the other party and the likes are all simple ways to practice great body language gestures.
Treat your colleagues fairly
The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of respect at your office is by treating all your colleagues fairly.
Ensure that you are not being impartial in your treatment of others. Make sure that both you and no one else is practising favouritism at work.
Allow no space or room for discrimination to take stage. Treat everyone else as you would like to be treated. This will help to ensure that everyone feels safe and respected while contributing to a workplace collectively.
Have lunch together and reach out to teammates you may not necessarily be working with all the time. This will help you keep in contact with your colleagues and understand them better too – even if you don’t get the opportunity to work with them as often!
What's next?
And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of respect. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice respect at the workplace.
Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!
Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?
If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.
No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!
