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Respect, Live It and Increase Profits!

Here's one for the "did you know" file...The cost of stress and other expenses caused by disrespectful work environments may be costing America nearly as much as our Defense Budget!

I came across this interesting research while preparing for an upcoming "Respect, Live It" presentation. I was shocked to that disrespect in the workplace, the same problem faced in our schools, is costing American business 300 BILLION DOLLARS each year!

The facts are that when an employee feels undervalued or disrespected by supervisors and peers there are serious and expensive consequences. The primary cost is due to the stress of working in an environment where your efforts and contributions are not valued and appreciated. These costs escalate when abusive behavior in the workplace causes health problems, or when disrespect is manifests in racial intolerance or sexual harassment.

The direct costs affecting productivity are staggering. One report by Gallup Organization cited by Winning Workplaces indicated that as many as ONE in THREE American workers may be "actively disengaged" from their work due to a lack of respect and poor communication in the workplace.

I couldn’t help but think about time I've lost worrying about someone who treated me disrespectfully. As disciplined as I know I am; other people's actions do affect me from time to time, as I'm sure they affect all of you. Even those with the healthiest attitude and best sense of self-worth will be negatively affected by disrespectful people from time to time.

Lao Tzu said:

"Seek other's approval and always be their servant."

These are words I hold dear. However, it is human nature that we do need some sense of appreciation for our efforts and indeed, simply for being ourselves! Lao Tzu's words are an ideal I aspire as I simply try to do my best. I know my best is a lot better when I'm appreciated and respected by others.
The "hard costs" of a disrespectful work environment include increased health care expenses, sick and lost time and the cost of replacing employees who might have been very productive. The hidden costs include the quality of an organizations culture and the ability to attract people who will build the future of the company.

Based on what I learned, I did a quick and dirty calculation and found that by simply teaching the importance of respect in the workplace, American business may be able to recover nearly 100 billion dollars a year!

At my Northern Chi Martial Arts Center I have only one rule, and that rule is "Respect". The working definition I use was given to me by an anonymous 1st grader during one of my presentations. When I asked if anyone knew the meaning of the word "respect", this young man stood up and said...

"Respect means taking care of one another."

Have you ever heard a better definition?

Jim Bouchard is the author of Dynamic Components of Personal Power. Get you copy at JimBouchard.org!

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