Your daily actions signal to others the level of personal respect that you hold for them. Being aware of how your behavior impacts the people around you can give you more control over the direct, indirect or unspoken signals you send to others. This can lead to improvements in your relationships and overall happiness at work. Consider the following tips to ensure you are contributing to a respectful workplace:

1. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Think about the last few interactions you’ve had with coworkers. Would you like to be on the receiving end of your behaviors? If not, identify what you would like to change, such as not interrupting others while they are speaking; not using profanity; or saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ more often. Once you have identified what you want to change, give yourself little reminders to reinforce your behavior change.
2. Remember privacy. Just because you work together doesn’t mean you are entitled to know everything about a coworker. Be mindful of asking personal questions of someone you do not know well. If you are unsure if a question is too personal, start with a general question on the same subject and let your coworker determine what personal information to share, if any.
3. Share space. Be aware of the noise level and subject matter of your conversations when others are around. When it comes to your work area, try to keep it clean and do not post things that could offend others or that contrast heavily with what most people would consider appropriate.
4. Reach out. Get to know your coworkers, acknowledge people you pass-by, offer assistance when needed, and be inclusive of those around you. A kind word goes a long way. These actions can build a greater sense of community and support in the workplace.
5. Cultivate respect. Celebrate coworkers successes. Avoid criticizing or labeling coworkers with personality or character traits you don’t like. Avoid intolerant behavior or use language associated with racial, sexual, age-related, or other human differences that could offend or contribute to a hostile or intimidating work environment.