What does respect mean to you?

When we talk about respect in the workplace or generally in life - we often think of it as a given. But our latest survey reveals a more complex picture.

For most people, respect goes far deeper than being polite. While 65% said politeness is surface-level, respect is something that runs deeper - it’s about how people make you feel in the everyday. In short - it's not just words or manners, but actions and consistency.

So, what does respect actually mean to people?

The answers were powerful. Some said it's having their boundaries recognised and honoured (18%). Others pointed to being treated as equals, regardless of background or title (17%), or feeling safe to speak without fear of judgement (17%). For many, it’s knowing that poor behaviour will be challenged (16%) and that their contributions are genuinely valued (16%).

Respect isn’t abstract - it’s tangible. It shows up in the way people listen, acknowledge, protect space, and speak up for one another.

But is that what people are experiencing day to day?

Only 12% said they always see respectful behaviour. Nearly half (48%) said often, and over a third see it only sometimes or rarely.
More worryingly, 52% said they have personally experienced disrespect, making it not just a hypothetical issue, but a lived one.

What does that disrespect look like? Respondents pointed to:

• Dismissive tones or condescending behaviour

• Favouritism and unfair treatment

• Public criticism

• Inappropriate jokes or comments

• Being interrupted or talked over

It’s not always loud. Often, it’s subtle but just as harmful.

When asked whether respect should be earned or given, most (56%) said both - it should be a basic starting point, then built through actions. A third believe it should be given universally. Only 12% think it must be earned from the start.

Yet despite good intentions, respect doesn’t always reach every level. While 68% of people said they feel respected by those around them, 64% said that respect isn’t consistent across all layers of the workplace, especially when it comes to leadership. That’s a warning sign.

And while 67% said respect is actively shown in practice - not just talked about - a full third still feel it's just words on a poster or in a handbook.

This tells us something important: we know what respect should look like and many of us are still waiting to experience it fully.

Please view the visual and enhanced results here.