Disrespect at work! – How to Avoid Being That Person

Let’s face it: none of us wake up thinking, “Today, I’m going to be disrespectful.” And yet, most of us have been — even without meaning to.

Disrespect isn’t always loud. It doesn’t always show up as yelling or insults. Sometimes it’s much quieter — an unanswered message, a meeting that starts late, or the feeling that your input was brushed off.

I’ve been on both sides of it. I’ve felt dismissed. I’ve also unintentionally caused others to feel that way. Here's what I've learned (and continue to relearn) about showing respect at work in everyday actions.

1. Return the Call (Literally and Figuratively)

Dodging emails or ignoring messages doesn’t keep things simple — it actually creates confusion. When people are left hanging, they burn energy wondering: Did they see this? Do I need to follow up? Did I say something wrong?

Even a short reply like “I got this and will respond soon” keeps communication open and people at ease. Silence doesn’t save time — it steals clarity.

2. Avoiding Things Doesn’t Make Them Go Away

There’s a hidden cost to avoidance. Every time we put off a conversation or delay a decision, we create “dwelling time.” That’s the mental loop people go into when they’re waiting for direction, clarity, or closure.

And that loop? It’s a productivity killer. Respect means facing issues sooner, not letting them fester.

3. Tone and Body Language Matter — Even Digitally

I once sent a three-word reply to an email. I was just busy — but the person on the other end read it as cold and dismissive. That experience taught me something important: tone isn’t just about what we say, but how we say it.

A little warmth in an email, a “good morning” before jumping into a task, or making eye contact on a video call — these small cues matter. They make people feel seen and respected.

4. Respect People’s Time and Attention

Running late. Texting during meetings. Double-booking and rescheduling at the last minute. These things happen — but when they become habits, they send a clear message: “My time is more important than yours.”

Being present, prepared, and punctual isn’t just polite — it’s a form of everyday professionalism.

5. Don’t Assume. Ask.

Assuming what someone needs or thinks can lead to missed expectations and hurt feelings. So don’t assume that everyone carries a crystal ball and “should” know or “understand”.

Asking — “What works best for you?” or “Did I understand that right?” — is a sign of respect. It shows you’re not just trying to get through the conversation but genuinely trying to get it right.

6. Own It When You Mess Up

Nobody gets it perfect. I’ve hit “send” too quickly, missed a deadline, or let something fall through the cracks. What matters most is what comes next. A sincere, unguarded apology restores trust — and often deepens it.

Respect isn’t about being flawless. It’s about being accountable whether at home or the workplace. This key ingredient that can bring you a better day and a lighter load”

Disrespect Is Often Unintentional — But It Still Hurts

In most workplaces, it’s not the dramatic blow-ups that wear people down — it’s the little lapses in consideration that pile up over time.

But here’s the good news: respect isn’t complicated. It’s built one moment, one message, one conversation at a time. It starts with noticing how our actions (or inactions) impact the people around us — and choosing to do a little better, more often.

Start a team conversation around this?

Try asking:
“Where do we unintentionally create stress or confusion for each other — and how can we clean that up?”

It’s a powerful question. And a respectful one.