Importance of Respect in the Workplace as a Leader
1 Peter 2:17 "Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor."
Understanding the importance of respect in the workplace is one of the factors that sets great leaders apart. Workplace respect fosters a positive work environment that's great for business and also for nurturing employees' long-term commitment to the company.
As Christian business owners, building our companies on respect and love doesn’t only put us on the front foot for excellence in business. It also puts God’s commandments at the forefront and puts Him first at every twist and turn of our business journeys.
Why Is Respect in the Workplace Important?
Respect in the workplace is important because when employees feel respected, they also feel fulfilled, engaged, motivated, and loyal. A Harvard Business Review study found respect to be the leading factor in promoting greater commitment and engagement among employees. Respect shows employees that they're valued, supported, and an integral part of the company.
However, it's not only respect toward employees that's important. Respect in the workplace applies to all levels of seniority. Business owners and managers at the senior level will establish a healthy working environment and a positive company culture when mutual respect is prioritized.
Respect Everyone in Accordance with Scripture
Peter instructed his readers to "show proper respect to everyone." This means honoring all people regardless of their role, capabilities, or character. We all know that getting along with everyone can be challenging, especially in a work environment. But that doesn't mean that you can't respect them and what they bring to the table.
Christians are commanded to be devoted to one another in brotherly love (Romans 12:10). God created each and every person in His own image, so respecting them honors God Himself. By respecting everyone, we reap both earthly and Heavenly rewards. For practical tips on implementing this and other biblical principles in your business (beyond what we share in this article), request details about our membership options and join our family for early access to our podcast.
Benefits of Respect in the Workplace
A respectful work environment can be transformative. The following are some of the benefits of fostering a respectful company culture:
1. Respect Increases Productivity
Employees are more productive in workplaces that prioritize respect. According to the American Psychological Association, a toxic work culture results in high employee turnover, low productivity, and increased absenteeism. Ensuring a more positive work environment where showing respect is a basic requirement leads to a happier, more loyal, and more productive workforce.
2. Respect Boosts Employee Engagement
Employees who feel respected by other team members tend to be less stressed and more likely to apply themselves diligently to their work. The same is true when an employee knows that their superiors and business leaders respect them and their work.
3. Respect Creates a Fair Environment
A 2021 MIT Sloan Management Review study noted that feeling disrespected is one of the three top contributors to a toxic work culture. Creating an even playing field where people are treated fairly allows your workers to improve their self-confidence and professional capabilities.
4. Respect Reduces Stress
Creating a positive work culture reduces workplace stress as individuals are free to work without worrying about bigger-picture issues like their future in the company.
5. Respect Boosts the Bottom Line
Increased employee satisfaction, motivation, and engagement, reduced stress, and fair treatment create a workplace in which individuals can thrive. Such an environment will strengthen your bottom line as employees' talent and performance organically improve.
Managers also benefit from a respectful work culture. Rather than micromanage their reports, they build relationships based on respect and trust. This allows them to focus on tasks that push the business forward.
Business Owners Must Lead by Example
Make it your business to create a positive work environment for you and your employees. Demonstrate respect to employees at all levels, and give respectful but constructive feedback when you wish to see change.
A respectful work environment starts with you, the business owner. Lead by example and demonstrate how respect should be shown at every level of your business.
Psalm 78:72 says, "And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them."
Guide your employees in the same way. Your leadership sets the tone for how your employees work. When you respect others, they will show you and each other the same respect.
How to Cultivate a Respectful Work Environment
The following steps will allow you to cultivate a respectful work environment:
Establish clear expectations for employee conduct: Everyone in the company must abide by clear and concise rules surrounding respect. Take these rules seriously and hold individuals accountable if standards aren’t met.
Open effective channels of communication: Make it easy for employees to come and talk to you about their concerns.
Active listening: Listen to colleagues attentively and show them you value their thoughts. Make your next steps clear when dealing with cases of disrespect or bullying and be sure to follow up promptly.
Appreciate excellent work: Part of respect is noticing when your employees go above and beyond. Show them you notice and appreciate their work and reward them as you see fit.
What Does 1 Peter 2:17 Teach Us About Respect in Business?
1 Peter 2:17 teaches us two main lessons about respect in business.
From a pragmatic point of view, respect in business brings us all the benefits we discussed earlier: a friendly, engaged, and motivated workforce and an environment that promotes excellence.
Christians can take this message one step further. Our allegiance is to God, and our motivation is to see the Lord’s work done here on earth. Treating others as we would like to be treated by showing respect upholds God’s purposes and our duty as Christians.
It also teaches us the following:
Universal Respect
1 Peter 2:17 encourages leaders to show respect to all team members, regardless of their role or status. Respect throughout the ranks facilitates communication and streamlines processes between departments. We must also remember to respect staff members who are often overlooked, including administrative personnel, cleaners, and interns.
Foundation of Love
This verse suggests that leadership should be grounded in love for one’s team, enhancing mutual respect and cooperation. When love becomes the basis for our actions, mutual respect and growth will be the natural result.
Dual Reverence
1 Peter 2:17 reminds us of the balance between respecting both divine authority and earthly leadership. Building our company on a foundation of love leads to respect that transcends personal gain and honors God.
A Respectful Workplace Is Happy and Productive
Fostering a respectful environment at work brings numerous benefits to businesses—including a potentially stronger bottom line. Promoting respect in your business isn't only the right thing to do; it also makes business sense.
Workplaces that encourage respectful dialogue and behaviors produce happy and productive workers who feel valued and motivated. This engaged and driven collective can then propel your business forward.
Related verses:
1 Corinthians 16:14
Colossians 3:12