How Do You Foster Dignity and Respect at Work?

Creating a work environment that fosters a culture of positivity can often-times be quite challenging. To create a positive culture, the leaders of your organization must not only promote this behavior, they must also understand its importance. Employees who feel they are treated with respect and dignity are more engaged and productive than those who don’t. Let’s take a look at a case study where a hospital was able to improve its workplace culture and patient experience.

A Story on Improving Workplace Culture with Respect and Dignity

In one powerful case study, a poorly-performing hospital made a remarkable turnaround by putting in place a shared leadership model that relied on getting employees to step up and take personal responsibility for improving the standard of care. The cornerstone of this turnaround was the introduction of a new culture of dignity and respect that gave employees meaningful involvement in shaping the quality of their work environment and patient-care practices.

Dignity and respect are two very powerful words that are key in developing a culture of employee engagement and an environment in which everyone feels valued. But how can you get your leaders on board to promote this culture? Here is what leaders can do to foster better workplace relationships.

5 Ways Leaders Can Promote Positive Workplace Relationships  

Dignity and respect are not automatically given to leaders, they have to earn it. Once Leaders have gained both, they need to continually demonstrate those behaviors and make them intentional with every interaction. Here are some ideas for building a positive corporate culture based on dignity and respect.

1. FOCUS ON BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR TEAM

Employees want to be led by individuals who truly care about them. Your team members all bring a unique perspective to the table, and it’s time to get to know them — genuinely. 

What are their kids’ names? Do they have hobbies? What travel stories do they have? If you aren’t sure about any of these answers, don’t worry! It’s never too late to get to know your employees. 

Host virtual happy hours or have socially distanced events where you can get to know them on a personal level. Show them you care, and be sure to listen. You may be surprised to find out that you may have some things in common with them!

2. NEVER STOP SAYING “THANK YOU”

In a recent survey, 93% of people agree that grateful bosses are more likely to succeed, and 81% of people would work harder for a grateful boss.

Being appreciative or showing gratitude can make a huge impact on your team. As a leader, you should show your appreciation publicly and also when no one else is around. With this in mind, how does your company show gratitude to team members?

3. PROMOTE POSITIVITY

As a leader, you have to be willing to promote positivity in the workplace. Not only will it make you feel good, but it will also permeate to the people around you too. Here are a few things to think about when thinking about workplace positivity:

1. Smiles can set the tone for the day and are very contagious  
2. Never underestimate the power of positive energy
3. Speak positivity in the workplace
4. Appreciate the small wins

4. FOSTER AN OPEN DOOR POLICY

Never be too busy for your employees – make sure that you not only listen to them but really hear what they are saying. By having an open door policy and using active listening techniques, your employees will feel heard. It is crucial for employees – regardless of their position – to feel as though their concerns will be listened to and taken seriously. This is the cornerstone of a mutually respectful relationship. It is equally important that employees feel that they can respectfully disagree and that they will be heard and won’t have to fear reprisal.

5. BE CONSIDERATE

The last tip is to remember to be considerate. Value your employees and remember to choose your words wisely. Your words can have a negative impact if not communicated respectfully, and words can be held onto for years. Unfortunately, not all of these words they remember for years are positive.

Increase Your Bottom Line with Corporate Culture

All in all, dignity and respect are imperative to building a work environment where your employees feel valued and engaged. Employees who feel valued and respected by their organization will show respect for their work and become invaluable to your team and your organization's success. 

Creating a culture that focuses on positively engaging employees, promotes a level of respect and commitment within your organization. Plus, having an engaging culture directly impacts your bottom line. 

Did you know: Research shows a direct correlation between organizations that focus on engagement and an increase in profitability, productivity and quality, as well as a decrease in turnover, absenteeism and theft.

If you haven’t made a plan to improve corporate culture, it’s time. Download C.A. Short's 35 Ways to Influence Corporate Culture and Increase Your Bottom Line for specific ways to add value to your organization today. 

At C. A. Short Company, we are your partner for increased employee engagement resulting in increased performance outcomes to grow your bottom line. Our process and research-based platform helps you engage your team in order to increase your bottom line, motivate your staff to the benefit of the entire organization, and reward your people for the positive changes they make. To request a Complimentary Consultation, please click here. 

*This blog was originally published on September 4, 2018 and updated on December 22, 2020 for accuracy.