Creating safe and respectful workplaces

The workplace is often seen as a second home, a place where individuals spend a significant portion of their day, engage with others, and contribute to collective goals. As such, for Filipino employees, their workplace isn’t just a source of livelihood, but a community that has the power to shape their sense of purpose, self-worth, and happiness. However, for this to happen, workplaces must be safe, respectful, and inclusive. Private companies in the Philippines are increasingly recognizing that building a positive culture at work is not merely a moral obligation but also a strategic business imperative.

For employees who forge healthy work relationships with colleagues and leaders, the office becomes a core part of their lives. This leads them to get inspired, build confidence, and foster personal growth, unlike a toxic workplace, which can eventually drain individuals’ energy, diminish enthusiasm, and harm their mental health. When employees feel safe and valued, they become their authentic selves, allowing them to become happier and more productive. Employers, therefore, hold a responsibility to cultivate such an environment, not only for employee welfare but also for the company’s long-term success.

Impact of an unhealthy workplace culture. A workplace marked by bullying, harassment, and exclusion can have far-reaching negative effects that ripple beyond the company walls, which should be given attention to.

Workplace harassment, bullying, and microaggressions can lead to severe stress, anxiety, and depression. The employees may carry the weight of these experiences home with them, affecting relationships with family and friends, and can even lead to burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and higher turnover rates.

When employees are exposed to toxic behavior, they lose focus. Studies show that stress, harassment, and bullying form the pathway to lower engagement levels, increased absenteeism, and a higher likelihood of errors at work. The reduced productivity and low morale create a cycle that tends to erode overall team performance.

Impact on family life. Employees who possess toxic workplace experiences may bring home these negative emotions, impacting their family lives and overall well-being. This creates a domino effect, where the emotional burden of a toxic workplace extends into communities and affects entire families.

More than a responsibility, creating a safe and respectful workplace culture is a significant driver of business success. Companies that prioritize safety and respect enjoy several advantages: (1) Increased employee retention: Employees who feel safe, respected, and valued are more likely to stay loyal to their employer. This reduces turnover rates and associated costs with hiring and training new staff; (2) Higher productivity: A positive work environment promotes employee engagement and productivity. Workers who feel appreciated are more likely to go the extra mile, leading to greater efficiency and output; (3) Attraction of top talent: Companies known for their inclusive culture are more appealing to skilled candidates. Those with a strong, organizational reputation for fairness and inclusivity tend to attract high-caliber talent; and (4) Improved innovation and collaboration: Inclusivity allows for a diversity of perspectives, which enhances creativity and problem-solving. When employees feel safe to express themselves without fear of ridicule or discrimination, they contribute more openly and effectively.

Legacy of respect and safety. The Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE) is at the forefront of guiding companies toward a culture of respect, safety, and inclusivity. PBCWE empowers business enterprises to transform their workplaces by helping review their existing policies and processes, as well as developing leaders to champion inclusivity and accountability. Its training offerings are designed to equip everyone in the organization to work with and lead diverse teams effectively, as well as build a culture that values different perspectives, promotes equity, and prevents discrimination.

Creating a safe and respectful workplace is more than just a compliance requirement, it’s a commitment to building a space which employees can genuinely view as their second home. As they spend so much of their lives at work, companies prioritizing this thriving culture not only pose to uplift their workforce but also drive sustainable growth.

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Jelo Reyes-Reyes, CPM is a management consultant at PBCWE on business development and marketing. She’s a seasoned marketer, creative storyteller, and autism shaker.

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Women Who Lead is an initiative of PhilWEN.