Studies show that work conflict impacts us in significant ways—often even more than personal or family drama. That’s because our identities are often tied to our work. So feeling disrespected can affect our self-esteem and trigger anxiety, stress, and conflict. Building and maintaining workplace respect is crucial for fostering a healthy and productive environment.
It’s easy to say we should act respectfully in the workplace. But what does respect look like when we’re stressed and facing a big deadline? Or, when we’re out of the office having fun with co-workers? Workplace respect requires more than good intentions; it demands practice, patience, and intentionality—qualities that turn respect into a vital skill.
Creating a Shared Language of Respect
Before you can start building your workplace respect skills, it’s essential to establish a shared language and common assessment of behaviors. Without this foundation, conversations about respect can quickly become emotional and escalate into conflict. Emtrain developed The Workplace Color Spectrum® to help organizations describe and assess conduct on a spectrum ranging from respectful to toxic. This tool provides a framework for navigating different situations and perspectives.
Ensuring our actions align with the respectful end of The Workplace Color Spectrum® takes intention and practice. No matter how good we believe ourselves to be, our first impulse isn’t always to exercise patience, widen our lens, or switch perspectives. Cultivating these habits is part of developing the critical skill of workplace respect.
How to Develop Workplace Respect Skills
Here are four key strategies to help you hone your workplace respect skills:
1. Recognize Power Imbalances
Consider whether there is a power imbalance between co-workers. Often, the more powerful person may not realize how vulnerable the other person feels. For example, an executive might assume that someone could refuse an unreasonable request without understanding the discomfort or fear of repercussions. Developing workplace respect means consciously switching perspectives to consider how our actions and comments might impact others.
2. Address In-Group/Out-Group Dynamics
In-group/out-group dynamics occur when an “us vs. them” mentality shapes behaviors and interactions. These dynamics can alienate employees and disrupt productivity. Whether it’s liberal vs. conservative, men vs. women, or citizen vs. immigrant, fostering a culture of respect requires treating everyone as members of an inclusive group. Strong, positive cultural norms can combat in-group/out-group biases and create a more respectful environment.
3. Assess Social Intelligence
Not everyone has the same level of social intelligence. Some individuals may struggle to read situations and inadvertently say or do things that create conflict. Developing workplace respect involves recognizing these differences and finding ways to guide interactions constructively.
4. Evaluate Workplace Culture
The strength of workplace culture significantly influences respect among employees. Organizations with clear behavioral expectations—reinforced by senior leaders—are more likely to foster a respectful environment. In contrast, weaker workplace cultures often lack common values, making it easier for disrespectful conduct to become normalized.
Building Cultural Competency Over Time
Developing workplace respect skills isn’t a one-time effort. It requires daily practice and commitment as part of a broader cultural competency. By consistently applying these strategies, respectful behaviors can become second nature, contributing to a healthier and more inclusive workplace.
At Emtrain, we believe that workplace respect is an essential skill that benefits both individuals and organizations. With tools like The Workplace Color Spectrum® and a commitment to intentional practice, employees can cultivate a culture of respect that enhances collaboration, reduces conflict, and strengthens workplace dynamics. Start building your workplace respect skills today and see the positive impact it can have on your work environment.
