After the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers worldwide are feeling more stressed and worried. Surprisingly, about half of American employees seem uninterested in their jobs.

Recent research from the University of Missouri reveals that how leaders communicate can make a big difference in creating a work environment where respect and recognition are valued. This, in turn, leads to happier and more engaged employees.

Driving respect

“Leader communication drives respectful culture and behavior that translates into positive employee outcomes,” the researchers explain. “Leaders need to help employees feel respected as part of the team and recognized for their unique strengths and accomplishments.”

The researchers surveyed 1,512 adults who work full-time, with an almost equal number of men and women. They asked these participants to rate how their bosses communicate with them and the level of respect and recognition they feel at work.

The findings revealed that when leaders communicate positively, employees tend to see their workplace as more respectful and notice when they’re recognized for their achievements.

Better culture

The study also uncovered that recognizing individuals doesn’t just lead to better outcomes for employees like job engagement, well-being, and resilience. It also helps create a culture where employees are more likely to respect each other’s contributions.

In other words, when you get praise for something specific you’ve done, it boosts your sense of status and belonging, which, in turn, makes you more likely to respect your colleagues. This backs up an earlier study by the same researchers that showed young workers aged 21-34 value respectful communication in the workplace more than trendy job perks.

“Our research demonstrates that leader communication is a powerful tool, but it’s not enough,” the authors explain. “The primary role of leader communication is to establish a respectful culture and facilitate recognition of individual employees for their unique strengths and accomplishments. It’s respect that is directly responsible for the positive employee outcomes that contribute to organizational success.”