A Frontiers Media research article on the evolution of workplace dignity (WPD) defines this concept as the individual’s perception of trust and respect in the workplace. It also includes equal and fair treatment, valuation of one’s worth, autonomy, freedom of expression, and enjoyable decision making.
The two main elements of the definition, respect and dignity in the workplace, are reciprocal.
When asked what dignity is in the workplace, many would often associate it with mutual respect, among other aspects.
According to CEO of The Best of Calgary, Bianca Tremblay: “Workplace dignity is a key component of a healthy work environment.”
For Tremblay, a more comprehensive definition on the matter, originally from a Willis Towers Watson report on workplace dignity, encompasses three key dimensions:
“Dignity at work.
In an environment free from marginalization, workers are treated with respect. The freedom to be themselves, express their problems and receive attention gives them a feeling of psychological safety. Organizations can attract and keep diverse talent by fostering a culture of dignity. It serves as the basis for inclusion. Additionally, it assists in addressing workplace stress as one of its sources.
Dignity in work.
Employees are motivated by their job and see how it advances the company’s overall objectives. They take pride in what they do because it is respected, and they anticipate a future where employers will place a high priority on restructuring and lifelong learning even as jobs are redefined due to technological advancements and other changes.
Dignity from work.
Because they are paid fairly, can maintain a reasonable quality of living, and are secure in their benefits to offer the stability they need to support themselves and their families, employees feel appreciated and have the well-being to succeed both now and in the future.”
From an employee’s point of view, WPD can also be associated with having one’s voice heard and their opinions respected.
Brandon Wilkes, a marketing manager at The Big Phone Store, defines dignity as “a feeling of self-respect and self-worth. It is feeling valued and respected by others.”
Ultimately, as a philosophical phenomenon whose acceptance and implementation depend on many factors, WPD could have as many distinct definitions as there are organizations.
Yet, its benefits are undeniable.
According to a SHRM survey, almost 50% of all respondents ranked their immediate supervisor’s respect for their ideas as “very important” to their job satisfaction.
On the other hand, a Willis Towers Watson report found that a culture of dignity in the workplace is an essential driver for employee well-being for up to 95% of companies.
Additionally, 70% of employers recognized WPD as a crucial factor for their current success and development over the past three years, while 94% of them saw it as essential to their success for the next three years.
The survey findings also point out the correlation between dignity and employee behaviour, including their wellness, retention, and inclusion.
Namely, 95% of respondents believe a culture of dignity is the driver of talent acquisition and retention, 94% agreed it helps with work engagement, while 93% believe WPD helps the organization’s overall performance.