Navigating the workplace is tricky. When you’re just starting out, you don’t have much authority, and it could quickly feel like you’re being singled out when things go south.
But if you play your cards right and gain respect from your superiors and colleagues, you’ll notice that you’re treated differently.
It’s true that some work environments reek of toxicity, and no matter how valuable you are, someone won’t like you.
You should leave if this impacts your mental well-being.
But generally, your work ethic and behavior towards others determine how much they respect you.
And if your colleagues think highly of you, you’ll notice that…
1) You’re not being micromanaged
When you’re respected at work, your superiors and colleagues will trust you to handle tasks independently.
No one will hover over your shoulders or nitpick every little detail of your work.
If it doesn’t feel like you’re constantly being monitored or controlled, it’s a sign that you’re working with people who respect your level of skills and your ability to finish what you start.
Of course, they can still be there to guide and support you. But they won’t feel the need to micromanage every step you take.
And because they have so much confidence in you and your work…
2) You’re asked to mentor others
It might feel like a schlep, but it shows that your colleagues trust your judgment and know you can help others grow and succeed as you did.
Being asked to mentor means your colleagues respect the way you approach work, think highly of your expertise level, and genuinely value your input.
It’s about more than just being good at what you do or being able to communicate in a way others understand. Mentors are generally respected.
Your superior will only ask you to do this if they respect your judgment and believe you have something valuable to share with new employees.
And it usually doesn’t stop there.
If your colleagues respect you enough to think you’re a great mentor, it’s likely that…
3) You’re always selected for leadership roles
Everyone wants a leader who they feel they can trust. And while everyone prioritizes different traits, most people want a leader who has the following:
- Vision
- Integrity
- Competence
Having these traits won’t make your colleagues respect you from the get-go.
But if you consistently demonstrate them and build strong relationships with your co-workers, you’ll earn enough respect to be seen as a leader and be put into these positions.
And remember:
When people see you as their leader…
4) They frequently ask for your opinion
Does it feel like everyone at work wants to know what you think? Are interns constantly running to you for input?
This is a sign that your colleagues respect your expertise and judgment. It means they know that your opinions and perspectives are genuinely valuable.
It won’t stop there, either.
If your colleagues respect you, they don’t only ask for your ideas. They actually use them!
5) No one has an issue when you ask to work from home
When you’re respected at work, a request to work remotely will be met with understanding and acceptance.
Now, if your boss says “no,” it doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t respected. A lot of factors come into play.
But if they give you the go-ahead, and you notice that your colleagues are okay with this, it’s a sign that they think highly of you.
Most co-workers would be jealous, but those who respect you will feel that you deserve this privilege and know that you’ll still deliver quality work regardless of location.
Truth is when you’re respected at work…
6) You’re typically given freedom and space
Some work environments have strict rules. If you’re in one of them but have more freedom than other employees, you’re respected.
For example:
I had a boss who was pretty strict about clock-in and-out times. One minute late could literally put her in a bad mood.
But my colleague, Jenny, was always greeted with a smile, no matter how late she came in. She could also leave earlier to fetch her kids from school or to go to the salon some days.
At first, I didn’t get it.
But after observing for a few months, I realized that our boss had tremendous respect for her and the way she does her work.
I started following Jenny’s lead and got some leniency too. Go figure!
When your boss respects you and what you do, you’ll probably get benefits other employees don’t.
And if your colleagues respect you too, they won’t treat you differently because of it but rather look up to you.
Respect is also the reason why…
7) Your colleagues rarely get upset when you say “no” to them
People have a hard time understanding and respecting boundaries in general. When it comes to work, even more so.
Has it ever felt like your boss waits until the last minute to dump a bunch of work on your desk?
Or that your colleagues always ask you to lock up so they can leave earlier, despite them knowing that you have a longer commute home?
These are signs that you’re not respected. If you were, your colleagues and boss would:
- Recognize that you have your own workload.
- Understand that you have priorities outside of work.
- Realize that you have limitations and have to say “no” sometimes.
So, when you occasionally decline requests, they’ll respect your answer instead of getting upset or offended.
8) You’re included in conversations
Unless you don’t like chatting with your colleagues, they’ll typically include you in all their conversations if they respect your presence.
Whether this is about weekend talk or important discussions where superiors seek your input. Being included is a clear sign of respect.
You’ll always feel part of the discussion instead of having that pit-in-the-stomach moment where you think the conversation is about you.
Simply because…
9) Your name never makes the rounds in gossip
Workplace conversations can be detrimental to your career if you’re the topic of discussion. And gossip creates a toxic environment.
If your name rarely comes up in talks or only does when in a positive light, it shows that your colleagues respect you.
It shows that they don’t engage in spreading rumors about you, even if someone else tries to. And that if something gossip-worthy happens, they recognize and respect your privacy.
But remember: you should refrain from office gossip too. It shows you’re professional and have integrity.
10) You don’t have to push for recognition
In a work environment where you’re respected, your achievements and contributions are acknowledged without you having to advocate for recognition.
Your colleagues will openly praise your achievements because they respect your skills, abilities, and way of working.
So, if others…
- Give you credit where it’s due
- Notice and celebrate your efforts
- Applaud your achievements
… you’re doing something right!
11) It never feels like you’re being picked on
Another sign of respect is not getting the blame. This is not to say that you’re never wrong, and if you are, you should own up to it.
But if it never feels like you’re being picked on, your colleagues have respect for you.
Sometimes people find themselves in work environments where they feel targeted or singled out whenever something negative happens.
If no one looks at you when someone has to get the blame, it shows that you’re trusted.
And that your colleagues and superiors value your well-being and treat you with consideration and kindness.
The thing is, your actions are what makes others respect you or not. And I know that some people just dislike others for no reason.
But if you own up to your mistakes, treat others with respect, and show that you’re valuable in your field, there’s a good chance that you’ll be respected.
And remember, it’s never too late to turn the tables and be a better person. Even if you’re not a star employee now, you can become one!
