How do I practice human dignity in the workplace?

You enter your workplace, virtual meeting, or chat for the first time this week, and you notice a new name or face. You're very busy and not feeling it today, so you slide past with a little side glance and a half smile: "I'm sure I'll see them around. I'll say hi then," you think, then start your day.

But what if, instead, you took a moment to offer a warm greeting or a quick introduction? What if you were that new face? In a workplace that practices human dignity, these small acts of kindness and connection can make a big difference.

They set the tone for a more inclusive and supportive environment where everyone, including you, feels seen and valued.

Workplace dignity is a person's perception of how much trust, equal or fair treatment, autonomy, freedom of expression, and decision making they enjoy at their workplace.

Human dignity can be affirmed or denied by individuals and workplaces.

Affirmation of Human Dignity: Examples

• Acknowledge contributions

• Greeting colleagues warmly

• Listen actively

• Offer support

• Provide positive feedback

• Encourage inclusion and participation

Denial of Human Dignity: Examples

• Consistently interrupting or talking over colleagues

• Ignoring contributions or failing to give credit

• Lack of acknowledgement

• Exclusion from important discussions or processes

• Dismissive body language like eye rolling

• Inconsistent application of rules or policies

• Excessive control or monitoring of work

You can grow a culture of human dignity in your workplace by being part of the ripple effect of respect. Here are some human dignity examples of how to model and promote dignity in the workplace.

1. Distinguish between criticism of a person and criticism of a person's actions.

"You always mess things up! I don't why you were put in charge in the first place."

"This project hasn't progressed as we hoped. Let's identify the challenges and problem solve."

2. Say you're sorry when it's needed.

Fail to acknowledge your mistakes or blame others.

Genuinely apologize with this formula:

• Start with a clear 'I’m sorry' statement.

• Express regret for what happened.

• Acknowledge what social norms or expectations were violated.

• Add an empathy statement acknowledging the full impact of our actions on the other person.

• Request their forgiveness.

3. Be aware of your non-verbal communication.

Do you roll your eyes, cross your arms, grimace, or otherwise use disrespectful body language?

Use eye contact, neutral or positive facial expressions, a straight posture, and respectful tones and volume when speaking to all of your work colleagues about any topic.

Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash

Historical, cultural, and political forces have uniquely denied human dignity . Assumptions and unconscious bias often drive the denial of human dignity.

Groups that may be especially vulnerable include:

• First Nations/Indigenous people (racism)

• People of color (racism)

• Immigrants and refugees (racism)

• Older workers (ageism)

• Women (sexism)

• People with disabilities (ableism)

• LGBTQ+ people (homophobia)

Self Check

To ensure these beliefs don't negatively impact the human dignity of colleagues, aim to identify and fact check your own assumptions.

Do you subconsciously believe these assumptions?

• Older workers aren't interested or capable of learning new skills and technologies.

• Remote workers are not very committed to their jobs or workplaces.

• Women of childbearing age will just get pregnant, so it's not worth hiring or investing in them.

• The qualifications of immigrants are not as good as mine.

• It's not fair that workers with religious or cultural obligations get extra benefits (e.g. prayer time or leave entitlements) for cultural obligations.

• People of color play the "race card".

Responding with empathy and compassion rather than labelling others as "sensitive" if a person complains of being targeted will support human dignity.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Everyone has the ability to practice human dignity in the workplace!