It is not unusual to meet people who are deeply dissatisfied or really unhappy at work. Job satisfaction can mean different things to different employees, but ultimately, feeling content at work often comes down to having a positive work culture. So, what makes a good workplace culture? Some might say it is about having real friendships, transparency, and embracing diversity. While these things are essential, the most crucial factor is genuine respect. Not the facade of one.
Women’s struggle for respect in the workplace
Women have historically had to struggle for workplace respect. They often find themselves in a situation where assertive behaviour leads to unfair labels such as “too bossy” or “bitchy.” While some workplaces have become more progressive, certain outdated attitudes, particularly from older, more conservative generations, still persist. If you observe how employees behave differently with male and female bosses, it’s evident that workplaces frequently perpetuate stereotypes about working women.
Many companies claim to prioritise hiring more women, but for a woman trying to succeed in a male-dominated field, the journey is challenging. Even if a woman is fortunate enough not to experience sexual harassment or blatant discrimination, she still may encounter numerous instances of subtle disrespect or microaggressions. Especially in fields like maths, programming, architecture, and logical thinking, people act surprised when a woman outperforms her male colleagues. This reaction implies that they perceive such an achievement as a fluke rather than acknowledging her capabilities.
Women often find themselves needing to work twice as hard and produce double the results to receive only half the recognition and respect that men effortlessly receive just for showing up. Sadly, this reality may persist throughout their entire careers unless they find a workplace that values gender diversity. No woman should be informally addressed by her first name, while male colleagues are addressed more formally as “Mr.,” “Sir,” or “Dr.”
Today’s workplaces should start to recognise the significant contributions women make by advocating for gender equity, equal pay, and a work culture free from disrespect. It is not merely about prioritising respect solely for women. Instead, it is about fostering a gender-balanced and inclusive workplace that’s safe for everyone.
Respecting trans employees and people with disabilities in the workplace
Trans employees and people with disabilities often feel socially isolated in the workplace. LGBTQ individuals often feel the need to hide their sexual identity at work. For trans people, this extends to hiding their gender expression, including their accent and how they like to dress and present themselves.
While many companies have supportive policies in place, these policies alone aren’t enough. Incentives are necessary, but they’re not enough to create a genuinely inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities. Real change comes from supportive colleagues who genuinely respect and understand the concerns of these communities.
Respecting transgender employees means using the names and pronouns they prefer. You might see them sharing their preferred pronouns like “he/him/his,” “she/her/hers,” or “they/them/theirs” in places like social media profiles, LinkedIn profiles or email signatures. Some may change their name or pronouns due to discomfort with their birth name or assigned sex. Always use the name and pronouns they provide, and apologise sincerely if you make a mistake.
Some companies hire people with disabilities but don’t ensure they’re treated well. This might make some people hide their disabilities at work for fear of career repercussions. Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace means treating everyone with respect and dignity. Companies need to communicate the values they uphold regularly. It’s also crucial to educate existing employees on how to interact respectfully with colleagues who have disabilities.
Ultimately, it’s not just about meeting Diversity and inclusion (D&I) legal requirements or avoiding backlash on social media. It’s about building a workplace culture where every employee feels respected, valued, and able to give their best to work.
The final thoughts on a good workplace culture
Treating others with kindness and respect is a basic lesson in professional environments since it directly affects employee engagement, well-being, and productivity. An organisation must actively cultivate a basic standard of respect by establishing fair systems that hold individuals accountable, creating an inclusive workplace environment, and ensuring a culture of mutual regard. Respect in the workplace isn’t limited to managers. It applies to every team member, regardless of their position or level.
Take a moment to think about the golden rule, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” It’s not about expecting the same treatment in return; it’s about showing respect because it’s the right thing to do and trusting that others will do the same.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we define broadly to include media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
