FACTS

Respect is a requisite for a healthy, professional workplace where employees feel valued performing work that is meaningful to their organization. A healthy work environment can increase employee retention and boost an organization’s reputation as a great place to work.

When employees know they are respected by other team members, they are less stressed and more committed to their jobs. The same is true when an employee knows that upper management values and respects them and their work.

STATS

Disrespect in the workplace has become more flagrant and commonplace over the last 20 years, according to a research involving 800 managers and employees in 17 different industries. “The Cost of Bad Behavior” report suggests more widespread repercussions. Of those on the receiving end of disrespectful behavior, the research showed that:

• 78% said their commitment to the organization had declined.
• 66% said their job performance suffered.
• 47% said they intentionally spent less time at work. 38 percent said they deliberately decreased the quality of their work.
• 6% of employees rate empathy as important for companies to demonstrate.
• And it’s not just big companies getting sued for not observing employee rights laws—a recent study found that small businesses in the U.S. pay up to $133 billion a year for employee rights-related lawsuits.
• More than 50% of civil lawsuits filed every year in the country are against small businesses.
• Employees who felt their leaders treated them with respect were 63% more satisfied with their jobs, 55% more engaged, 58% more focused, and 110% more likely to stay with their organization.
• Only 21% of our survey respondents told us that their leaders model sustainable work practices.
• 32% of employees say they have to wait more than three months to receive feedback from their managers.