Your Employee and Family Assistance Program is a support service that can help you take the first step toward change.

Giving and gaining respect at work

Many people spend as much time with their co-workers as with their friends and families. This makes building a positive work atmosphere an important goal. The key to a positive work environment is mutual respect between employees. The following tips will help you earn your co-workers' respect and encourage it in others.

Respect Rules

Maintaining a positive and respectful atmosphere at work can be a challenge when faced with negative factors such as a bad commute or stress. Invest in your own attitude and actions so you can gain and give respect in the workplace. Try to:

Choose a positive outlook. Like one bad apple, one bad attitude can spoil the rest. Be contagious in your enthusiasm. Make the decision to enjoy work and find others to share your positive approach.

Avoid the gossip mill. Gossip and negativity create a hostile and unhealthy workplace that can be toxic to the morale of your team and hurtful to individuals. Respect your co-workers by refusing to take part in negative discussions and you will earn their respect in return.

Show care and compassion. Co-workers with negative attitudes may have problems or issues that you are unaware of. Don't be too quick to judge. Focus on showing your concern and empathy rather than resentment and you might just be surprised by the response you get.

Keep cool in conflict. When facing disagreements, remember your goal should be progress, not winning.

Brush it off. When you are faced with a grumpy boss, a rude client or a frozen computer screen, brush it off and move forward. Don't let small setbacks ruin your day or even an hour of your time.

Toot your team's horn. When a project goes well, share your results with others. Get excited about what you’ve accomplished together and give credit where credit is due.

Manage your stress. Take a break, take a deep breath or go for a walk. Taking breaks increases productivity and decreases stress. If you need to, find someone to cover you so you're able to take a few minutes for a break.

Have a calm commute. Make your commute a positive time. If you're taking public transport, read, write or listen to music you enjoy. If it’s an option, leave a little early so you can take the scenic route. A calm commute creates a calmer outlook, setting the right tone for the rest of your day.

For Managers or Leaders

Issues with managers or leaders are one of the main reasons why many people end up searching for a new job. While both employees and employers have a responsibility to contribute to a healthy workplace, you can set a good example by:

Giving positive feedback to employees
Being a good listener
Demonstrating respect for your employees
Focusing on accomplishments, not hours
Being consistent
Taking the time to get to know your staff

Taking these simple steps can make a world of difference to your team and the environment you share. Employees respect, seek to emulate and want to work alongside a supportive employer because they create a healthy and positive workplace.

Threats to Respect

One of the greatest threats to a positive working environment and to employees' emotional health is workplace bullying and harassment. Workplace bullying often goes undetected and unreported due to feelings of fear or shame. Be on the watch for signs that bullying may be occurring and be sure to report it. Bullying includes:

Verbal abuse
Excluding and isolating employees
Intentionally changing work rotations to inconvenience particular employees
Intentionally withholding information vital to effective work performance

Harassment is more overt, but no less difficult to endure. It can also include:

Threats or inappropriate comments
Destruction or theft of property
Sexual innuendo or lewd behaviour
Physical assaults

Serious threats to a healthy and respectful workplace such as bullying and harassment may not be a part of your workplace but there is always room for improvement. The best place to start is with yourself. Evaluate the role you play in contributing to the office environment and try to implement the steps above. Small changes can vastly improve your own attitude at work, and earn the respect and the gratitude of colleagues.

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