What does respect mean to you?

3 Jul

Written By

Respect is often seen as a given, but our latest survey reveals it’s more complex than simply being polite. For most people, respect is about actions, consistency, and how others make them feel, not just words or manners.

Deeper meaning of respect: while many see politeness as surface-level, respect runs deeper. It means:
- Boundaries being recognised and honoured
- Being treated as equals, regardless of background or title
- Feeling safe to speak without judgement
- Poor behaviour being challenged
- Contributions being genuinely valued
Everyday experiences: only a small minority always see respectful behaviour, with most saying it happens often or sometimes. Over half reported experiencing disrespect directly, citing dismissive tones, favouritism, public criticism, inappropriate comments, and being interrupted
Earned or given? Most believe respect should be a starting point, then strengthened through actions. A third think it should be universal, while a small minority feel it must be earned first
Workplace gaps: while many feel respected by peers, most say respect is not consistent across leadership levels. For some, it remains words in policies rather than daily practice

💡Insights: This tells us something important - we know what respect should look like and many of us are still waiting to experience it fully. Respect is tangible, shown through listening, fairness, and support, not just polite words.