Devan Moonsamy 

Over the years a key issue that comes up in our conflict management sessions is the lack of respect in the office environment. This, coupled with poor communication and negative attitude rank at the most conflict inducing issues in the office. 

The lack of respect in the workplace opens the possibility of high staff turnover. When people feel they are not respected and valued they choose to leave. This means HR will be dealing with numerous complaints about the lack of respect in the workspace and you would see more and more people wanting to quit their jobs.  

This will not be good for your company’s reputation. If word gets out that the work culture in this establishment lacks respect most employees would be inclined to look for work elsewhere. As a result, you would find that you are losing good people.

But here’s how we start addressing issues of respect. Just as any aspect of the business, respect starts at the top. Leaders and management must display how respect across the organization must be conducted.

Whether it’s the person that holds the door open for you or the person bringing you a file or message from reception, respect is the gateway to gratitude. If you respect someone you will start to feel grateful for their contribution to your business. 

As a leader you should also make it a priority to acknowledge your staffs hard work in public. Praise them in public but give them their criticism privately. It is demotivating and disrespectful to criticise staff members on the floor or infront of others. Instead of lashing out ask the person to meet you in your office and address your concerns respectfully. Avoid vulgar and inappropriate words when dealing with criticism. Remember choosing your words has a major impact on the persons future interest in the office.

Also familiarise yourself with the cliques forming at the office. This can help you keep an eye on any possible office rifts and it will give you a chance to focus on improving the office morale. As much as we can’t prevent the rising of cliques what we can do is hold regularly meetings to initiate and engage with the team on the need for better communication. Encourage inclusiveness in the office and discourage the idea of isolation.  

A great way to eradicate exclusion and bring about better communication and respect would be to have group activities or work. This will allow the staff members to work with each other and gives them a chance to break away front whir usual gang. This brings more respect for each other as when people are away from their regular group they tend to engage better.

Promote openness and transparency. Make staff feel that they can come up to you and discuss when they feel disrespected. Staff members should feel that they are cared for and prioritised. 

Things like complimentary tea and coffee stations are a good idea but having an office environment that allows for dialogue and engagement can do a great deal when addressing the idea of respect. 

Start by knowing your team. Show them you care. Encourage the celebration of special days and acknowledge their moments of grief. At the end of it all people need validation. The age-old statement that respect works both ways is absolutely true but in the work place respect should form part of a core pillar in your code of conduct. Respect for things like cultural, language and religious differences must be upheld at all times.

Devan Moonsamy is the CEO of ICHAF Training Institute, a South African TVET College. He is the author of Racism, Classism, Sexism, And The Other ISMs That Divide Us, AND My Leadership Legacy Journal available from the ICHAF Training Institute. 

The ICHAF Training Institute offers SETA-approved training in business skills, computer use, and soft skills. Devan specialises in conflict and diversity management, and regularly conducts seminars on these issues for corporates. To book a seminar with Devan or for other training courses, please use the contact details below.

Tel: 011 262 2461 | 083 303 9159 |

Email: admin@ichaftraining.co.za devan@ichaftraining.co.za | 

Website: www.ichaftraining.co.za |  www.devan-moonsamy.com