Respect in the Workplace Is Not a Generational Issue

What makes you feel respected at work? Being addressed as “sir” or “ma’am” by your colleagues? Getting credit for the ideas you contribute in meetings? Receiving recognition for a job well done?

Today, many people say respect is a generational problem, and blame a specific generation, perhaps millennials, Generation Xers, or baby boomers of not treating others with respect.

[bctt tweet=”Many people say respect is a generational problem, and blame a specific generation” username=”reflektive”]

But, according to psychologist and author Dr. Paul White, respect is not a generational problem. While some trends can be studied by segmenting people by generation, when it comes to respect, the best route to address issues is by connecting with the individual. The best way to do this is with “I” statements and by asking questions.

In our webinar, The Multi-Generational Workplace: How to Build Respect & Trust Across Generations, Dr. White asked attendees to identify what makes them feel disrespected at work.

  • Not being introduced – 1.5%
  • Being interrupted – 3.9%
  • Being talked over – 15.4%
  • Someone not remembering your name – 0.9%
  • Your input is not acknowledged – 19.5%
  • Your suggestions are not implemented – 3.8%
  • Not being included in meetings that impact you directly – 37.1%
  • Others not honoring your time (being late to meetings, unprepared) – 18%

What makes you feel disrespected at work? Or better, what makes you feel respected?

You can watch the webinar here.