Examples Of Showing Respect At Work

The most useful examples of showing respect at work are entirely unremarkable, which is exactly why they get left out of values statements.

• Using the name somebody asks to be called, and pronouncing it properly.
• Letting a person finish before responding, particularly in a meeting.
• Giving credit by name, in front of others.
• Raising a problem with the person directly before raising it above them.
• Arriving on time to a one to one, and not cancelling it repeatedly.
• Checking whether now is a good time before delivering criticism.
• Accepting a no on something optional without asking a second time.

None of these appears in a values statement, and together they are precisely what people mean when they describe a workplace as respectful.

The Australian Human Rights Commission publishes guidance on respectful workplaces. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

See Sentrient’s respect at work training and code of conduct training.