How to Demonstrate Respect at WorkSeparation of Church and State
Caroline Becker
Valley College

Abstract This paper discovers through many different published research articles and documents that report on respect in the workplace, that treatment with dignity and respect are on the top ten list with employees. The definition of respect is the same in both articles and documents. Darcy Jacobsen (Jacobsen, 2013), suggests that respect reaches further than equity, fairness, and just plain getting along. This paper examines research that suggests that respect is a need in a diverse workplace.

How to Demonstrate Respect at Work One will find in this essay that there are different ways to demonstrate respect in and out of the workplace. However, the focus of this essay will be respect in the workplace. When researching the topic of demonstrating respect in the workplace, the question is respect needed in the workplace came up. This researcher discovered that in the articles and documents found, workplace diversity is an important topic in most organizations. According to the textbook for this class HR, 2e (DeNisi & Griffin, 2014) the definition of diversity is that it exists in a group or organization when its members differ from one another along one or more important dimensions. In the textbook HR, 2e (DeNisi & Griffin, 2014), diversity should be conceptualized as a continuum and thought of in terms of degree or level of diversity along relevant dimensions. Dimensions of diversity include but are not limited to gender, age, and ethnic origin. Human Resource Management: Essential Perspectives, Sixth Edition (Dr. Robert L. Mathis & Jackson, 2012) also includes marital and family status, sexual orientation, disabilities, and religion to the list of dimensions of diversity. All of these criteria should be dwelt with a certain level of sensitivity and respect. Generational differences and variances in work styles, differences between one employee's philosophy about work compared to the philosophy and values of another employee are also included in the list of workplace diversity (Mayhew, 2014).

If an employer wants to realize a positive and cooperative work environment they should implement training that encourages mutual respect in spite of differences. Mutual respect in the workplace is based, in large part, on respect for coworkers' abilities and skills, and how well their expertise matches their job assignments. Mutual respect acknowledges talent, not race, color, gender or culture (Mayhew, 2014). Paul Marciano, organizational psychologist and author, outlines seven critical ways in which managers can show respect to employees. Recognition: Thanking employees and acknowledging their contributions on a daily basis. Empowerment: Providing employees with the tools, resources, training, and information they need to be successful. Supportive feedback: Giving ongoing performance feedback — both positive and corrective. Partnering: Fostering a collaborative working environment. Expectation setting: Establishing clear performance goals and holding employees accountable. Consideration: Demonstrating thoughtfulness, empathy, and kindness. Trust: Demonstrating faith and belief in their employees’ skills, abilities, and decisions (Paul L. Marciano, 2010).
According to Susan Heathfield, Human Recourses Expert, respect tops the list of how employees want to be treated at work. In the article she wrote 10 Tips for a Respectful Workplace, she gives simple and powerful actions you can use to demonstrate respect. The list of actions to demonstrate respect at work that Susan Heathfield gives is easy to follow. Frist, treat people with courtesy, politeness, and kindness. Second, listen to what others have to say before expressing your viewpoint. Never speak over, butt in, or cut off another person. Third, let employees know you used their idea, or, better yet, encourage the