What is respectful communication in the workplace?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Respectful communication in the workplace boils down to 2 things: asserting our views, and listening to the views of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Naturally, your communication style influences the level to which you can communicate respectfully. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The key to respectful communication is to be assertive<\/a>. Assertive communication is the middle ground between aggressive and passive communication styles<\/a>, allowing you to make your point while respecting both others and yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n \n Effortless communication begins with Pumble<\/p>\n \n Enjoy unlimited chat history, threads, public and private channels, high-quality video calls, and more.<\/p>\n \n To get the listening part down, you need to engage in dialogues instead of discussions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In his book On Dialogue<\/em><\/a>, David Bohm likens discussions to a game of ping-pong, where there\u2019s constant back and forth and someone always wants to win. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dialogues, on the other hand, he describes as a process of meaningful exchange of thought, where the goal is to come to a new understanding \u2014 nobody is trying to win, but if anyone <\/em>wins, everyone <\/em>wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, respectful communication in the workplace can further be described as assertive communication in the form of a dialogue<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s now add another, cultural layer to it: if you have business partners from a different country, the customs of the said country<\/a> \u2014 for example, those tied to greetings \u2014 will also play a part in what you\u2019ll do, to communicate respectfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, in Brazil, you can expect a firm handshake when meeting with your partners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In Turkey, firm handshakes are considered rude. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And, in Japan, handshakes aren\u2019t really a thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even then, some things are universal \u2014 at the end of a meeting, no matter where and with whom, it\u2019s always polite to say: \u201cThank you for taking the time to meet with me.<\/em>\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Further reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cultural and language barriers are massive barriers to respectful communication, simply because what\u2019s polite and respectful in one place can come across completely differently in another. For more info on this, check out this guide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the end, respectful communication in the workplace can best be described as assertive communication in the form of a dialogue \u2014 where everyone involved is mindful of who they are communicating with<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But that\u2019s enough definitions \u2014 reciting them won\u2019t score you any points with anyone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead, you\u2019ll need to really practice what you preach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As Michelle Rakshys<\/a>, Vice President of Learning & Development at Cadence and Leadership, so eloquently put it: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI always remember that every interaction and communication builds, maintains, or damages relationships. I always want to be in the building stage, so I\u2019ll change my communication to ensure I\u2019m improving my relationship with the other person, even if I\u2019m delivering bad news.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n With that in mind, let\u2019s focus on actionable tips from our expert contributors on what you can do to make your communication more respectful in a work environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is what you should (and shouldn\u2019t) do to build, rather than damage, your professional relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To quote Dr. Sam Adeyemi<\/a>, CEO, executive coach, and author of SHIFTS: 6 Steps to Transform Your Mindset and Elevate Your Leadership<\/em>, \u201cnever interrupt\u201d<\/em><\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cInterruption tells others that:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n a) you are not listening, <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n b) you are not listening with an open mind, or <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n c) you feel that you or your point of view is more important than them\/theirs. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This will inevitably irk, upset, and cause others to feel small\/dominated.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Dr. Adeyemi also adds that you should listen without prejudice<\/strong> \u2014 give everyone your full listening since everyone deserves to be heard and has the ability to deliver something of great value. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And he is not alone in this, as several other experts echo the same sentiment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Executive Coach and an Official Member of the Forbes Coaches Council, Irene McConnell<\/a>, reminds us that this listening should be active<\/strong>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen you actively listen to people, you understand their views and are better able to reply and react. The other party also feels that their views and opinions are being heard, and a positive culture is created.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n This also means allowing for silence<\/strong> while you wait for the other person to formulate their thoughts. As Dallin Cooper<\/a>, keynote speaker on communication, conflict management, trust, and leadership, puts it: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou have to listen. Really listen. Maybe that means sitting in silence for 10 seconds, 20 seconds, a minute, while someone collects their thoughts. Sit in the silence. Let people know that you care, you\u2019re curious, and you are willing to listen, and you\u2019ll be able to find and resolve most misunderstandings.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t automatically assume that you understood what the other person wanted to get across, just because you listened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Dr. Adeyemi, instead of making assumptions, it\u2019s better to summarize the key points and repeat what you understood:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cParaphrasing what you\u2019ve just heard confirms that you\u2019ve received the message accurately and without judgement. Summarizing in this way doesn\u2019t necessarily mean that you agree or disagree with them, but it does make the speaker feel heard, respected, and acknowledged.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n And it\u2019s not just your interpersonal relationships that\u2019ll benefit from this \u2014 it will also reflect positively on business productivity. That\u2019s the part that Robin Westerling<\/a>, founder of Longvadon.com and AdBright.io, emphasizes through his example: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAn example of this would be to say \u2018I understand you built that spreadsheet and ran into issues, and I can see how that would be difficult for you\u2026\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n “This type of communication will lead to better conversations and more productivity within your business. It certainly has helped me foster better connections and respect with my employees.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n You have to choose the right channel for your message. Some messages are okay as emails, some should be DMs, and others simply require face-to-face communication (or its closest virtual approximation).<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Brittany L. Truszkowski<\/a>, COO at Grand Canyon Law Group, 4 emails is already too many emails:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cComplicated matters require real-time dialogue, particularly those that involve feedback or dispute. I say <\/em>\u2018If it takes more than three emails to fix, it\u2019s time to talk.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Further reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The tips in this guide pertain to respectful communication in general. For more concrete expert tips on how to provide feedback, you\u2019ll want to read this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is especially important in situations where emotions are high. In such cases, Karen Watts<\/a>, founder & CEO at DomiSource, recommends changing the channel if there\u2019s even a 10% chance your message could be misread:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf there\u2019s too much at stake, if it\u2019s too emotional or too nuanced \u2014 I switch to voice, preferably video. You have no idea how much can be achieved in 15 minutes of conversation that would otherwise take 20 messages.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n She underscores this point with the concise sentiment that: \u201cDelivering the right message on the wrong channel is always a lost opportunity.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n \n Effortless communication begins with Pumble<\/p>\n \n Enjoy unlimited chat history, threads, public and private channels, high-quality video calls, and more.<\/p>\n \n Speaking of paralinguistic features, Watts also reminds us that our bodies are always louder than our words:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou might say <\/em>\u2018yes, I understand,’ but if your arms are crossed, your eyes are looking at the floor, and your tone is clipped, your team hears <\/em>\u2018I\u2019m checked out\u2019 or <\/em>\u2018I\u2019m angry.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n So check your body. Is your stance open? Is your face present? Are your words and tone of voice in the same key? <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n If not, your message is inconsistent, and you will not even know why people stop trusting you.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n On a related note, Director of Communications & PR at StaffDNA Lisa Dawson<\/a> emphasizes the importance of smiling:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTry to smile when the other person is talking (not the whole time, so you don\u2019t look insane). A little smile gives them positive affirmation and makes the other person feel good about what they\u2019re telling you.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Further reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Feeling good in the workplace is an often underestimated factor, but it plays a huge role in employee well-being. Find out what’s the state of the workplace in 2025, including the state of employee mental health, in this post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another tip for ensuring your communication is respectful is to consider how your message will come across.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As Watts puts it, ask yourself what the impact of what you\u2019re about to say is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBefore I respond or send anything impactful, I always do a gut check: Is this going to clarify, confuse, or cause damage? If it risks the latter two, I change how I say it \u2014 or if I say it at all.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Another related tip that\u2019ll help you internalize this practice comes from Truszkowski, who urges us to not send messages impulsively and as soon as we are finished typing them out. Instead, she recommends you pause and think how you would feel if you received that message. As she puts it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEven straightforward messages can drop like a lead balloon if tone comes across as cold or abrupt.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The tips so far have been great for building and maintaining a respectful atmosphere, but they don\u2019t tell you how to respectfully ask for information or start a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not to worry though \u2014 our expert contributors didn\u2019t leave this part out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To start with, you should follow Truszkowski\u2019s advice, which is to begin with open questions like: \u201cAs we get started tonight, do you want to walk me through your thinking here?\u201d<\/em> As she puts it, this shows that you respect the other person\u2019s point of view and opens the door for understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you get the conversation started, Dr. Adeyemi suggests using expansion statements to keep it going in a respectful manner:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn a conversation, meeting, or interview, using an expansion statement such as \u2018<\/em>Tell me more\u2019 after someone has spoken is a way to:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n a) confirm to the speaker that you have been listening to them, <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n b) communicate that you have a level of interest in what they\u2019re saying, and <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n c) invite the speaker to expound upon their thoughts. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n “It\u2019s a great way to invite others to open up and shift into a deeper gear with what they\u2019re communicating.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n When dealing with urgency, we don\u2019t tend to prioritize respect \u2014 but this shouldn\u2019t be the case. Urgency does not preclude respect!<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, how do you balance the two?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fractional COO and Operations Strategist Denisse Calderon-Trevizo<\/a> has shared some pointers on overcoming the ASAP mentality:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHigh-growth environments create urgency, but respectful leadership means knowing when to slow down to prevent <\/em>burnout<\/em><\/a> and resentment. Replacing \u2018ASAP\u2019 with \u2018Can this be done by Thursday? If not, what\u2019s realistic?\u2019 maintains momentum and dignity. While strict deadlines are sometimes inevitable, don\u2019t forget to factor in the human element when making requests.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n This tip can be useful for everybody, but Calderon-Trevizo mentions leadership because, according to her, their tone sets the tempo for respectful communication inside the organization:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCalm, clear, and direct communication isn\u2019t just professional, it becomes cultural shorthand for how the team handles stress, feedback, and collaboration. To truly be an effective leader, you must always lead by example in all ways.<\/em>\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Further reading<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a lot that goes into being a good leader. To get a good sense of what leadership is like in 2025, check out our statistical breakdown:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Calderon-Trevizo also highlights the fact that respect starts with operational clarity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen roles, expectations, and decisions are documented, communication becomes cleaner and less emotionally charged. It\u2019s not just respectful, it\u2019s sustainable and sets the tone to how the work will flow.<\/em>\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n In the immortal words of the American Poet Maya Angelou: \u201c[P<\/em>]eople will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respectful communication in the workplace isn\u2019t just about improving productivity \u2014 although it does accomplish that. It\u2019s about dignity, human connection, and building strong relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following the tips in this guide will help you accomplish this. It will take patience and effort, but you\u2019ll come out a better communicator for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you looking for a platform where you can carry out respectful communication with your teams and business partners? Check out the team communication app Pumble<\/a>, or try it as part of our CAKE.com Bundle<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Follow these 7 expert tips to achieve respectful communication in the workplace.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":3573,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3572","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career-upgrade"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"Effortless](\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/banner-pumble.png\")
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Tips for achieving respectful communication in the workplace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Michelle-Rakshys.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTip #1: Listen (and don\u2019t interrupt!)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Dr-Sam-Adeyemi.jpeg\")
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTip #2: Summarize and repeat what you\u2019ve heard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Robin-Westerling.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTip #3: Choose the right channel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Brittany-L.-Truszkowski.jpeg\")
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Karen-Watts.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n\n\nTip #4: Mind your body language and smile<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tip #5: Pause and consider how you\u2019ll come across<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTip #6: Begin with questions and use expansion statements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTip #7: Contain urgency and set the tone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cake.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Denisse-Calderon-Trevizo.jpeg\")
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nRespectful communication helps you build and maintain professional relationships<\/h3>\n\n\n\n