Harvard Business Review Finds Employees Do Not Feel Respected
Being treated with respect was more important to employees than recognition and appreciation, communicating an inspiring vision, providing useful feedback, and opportunities for learning, growth, and development. Employees who feel respected by their leaders reported:
- 56 percent better health and well-being.
- 1.72 times more trust and safety.
- 89 percent more enjoyment and job satisfaction.
- 92 percent greater focus and prioritization.
- More meaning and significance.
- More committed to staying with their organization.
- Greater engagement with the company.
Despite the benefits, 54 percent of employees said they do not receive regular respect from their leaders.
“Our studies reveal that without respect, even if people want to perform well, they can’t,” said Christine Porath, associate professor at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. Lack of respect takes a toll on the bottom line.
“Nearly everybody who experiences workplace incivility or feels disrespected responds in a negative way,” she said. “Employees are less creative, and many leave. About half deliberately decrease their effort or lower the quality of their work.”
“Our research shows that people are less likely to buy from a company with an employee they perceive as rude,” Porath said, “whether the rudeness is directed at them or at other employees. Witnessing just one short negative interaction leads customers to generalize about other employees, the organization and even the brand.”