How Should Your Boss Treat You – 20 Acceptable Ways

How should your boss treat you? Like you are a human being and a professional. With respect, as an individual, and with a healthy dose of trust.

This may seem like common sense, but unfortunately, it’s not always the reality in the workplace.

20 Ways – How Should Your Boss Treat You

Many employees have experienced some form of mistreatment from their boss.

So what does this mean for you? Here are 20 ways your boss should treat you:

1. With Respect:

This one should go without saying, but unfortunately, it doesn’t always happen. Your boss should respect you as an individual and as a professional.

This means they should listen to your ideas, value your opinion, and treat you courteously.

And when there is disagreement, it should be handled respectfully.

While there will always be a certain degree of hierarchy in the workplace, your boss still can’t treat you like a subordinate.

At all times, they should be aware of the power dynamic. And they should use their position in a way that doesn’t take advantage of or undermine you.

Some bosses may try to assert their authority by belittling or making demeaning comments.

This is not only disrespectful but also unprofessional. If your boss treats you this way, it’s time to have a serious conversation.

2. As An Individual:

Your boss should also treat you as an individual. This means they should consider your personal preferences, strengths, and weaknesses.

For example, if you’re introverted and prefer not to work in large groups. Your boss shouldn’t force you to do so.

Or if you work better alone, they shouldn’t put you on a team where people constantly surround you.

Instead, they should try to find assignments that play to your strengths. They should allow you to work in a comfortable way.

Not only will this make you more productive, but it will also make you happier in your job.

3. With A Healthy Dose Of Trust:

A healthy workplace is built on trust. And this starts with your boss. They should trust you to do your job and not micromanage you.

They should also trust you to make decisions and use your best judgment.

Of course, this doesn’t mean they should blindly trust you. But as long as you’re doing your job well and following company policy. They should give you the freedom to work without constant supervision.

And while mistakes will happen, they should trust that you’ll learn from them. And you have to ensure you will not repeat them in the future.

There are times when your boss may need to check in with you. But if they’re constantly looking over your shoulder, it signifies a lack of trust.

4. Understanding Employees Will Have Great Impact:

Your boss should also be understanding. This means they should be willing to work with you if there are difficult circumstances.

For example, if you need to leave early for a doctor’s appointment or take a personal day. They shouldn’t give you a hard time.

They should also understand if you’re going through a challenging personal situation.

For example, if you recently lost a loved one or are dealing with a family emergency.

And while your boss may not be able to solve all your problems, they should be understanding.

They can practice active listening. It involves hearing what you’re saying and responding in a way that shows they understand.

5. With Appreciation:

Everyone likes to feel appreciated. And this includes employees. So your boss should make an effort to show their appreciation.

This can be in the form of verbal praise or a written note. And it doesn’t have to be for significant accomplishments.

It can be for a job well done or for going above and beyond. Your boss should also express their appreciation for your effort and dedication.

And while a simple “thank you“ is always appreciated. A more specific and sincere compliment will go a long way.

There are many ways to show appreciation. And it goes a long way in building a positive relationship with your boss.

6. Dignity Is Important

Dignity means treating someone with respect and integrity. How can employers show pride in the workplace?

By ensuring that everyone is fairly treated and with respect. This includes employees, customers, and vendors.

However, especially for employees, employers should go above and beyond to dignify them. They can do this by:

– Providing a safe and healthy work environment

– Respecting their privacy

– Showing empathy

– Promoting open communication

– Giving them a voice

These are just a few ways employers can show dignity in the workplace. But it’s important to remember that everyone deserves dignity.

7. Support Can Mean A Lot:

Support can come in many forms. But it essentially means being there for someone when they need you.

Employers should provide support to their employees. This can be in the form of emotional support or practical support.

For example, if an employee is going through a tough time. The employer should be there to offer support.

They can provide resources or be a listening ear. And while they may not be able to fix the problem. They can offer support to help the employee get through it.

Practical support can also be helpful. For example, if an employee needs training on new software. The employer should provide it.

Or if an employee is struggling to meet a deadline. The employer can offer additional resources or help.

8. Encouragement Is Important, Too:

Encouragement is another way to show support. It’s about giving someone the push they need to succeed.

Sometimes, all an employee needs is a little encouragement from their boss. This can be in the form of verbal encouragement or written feedback.

It can also be a pat on the back or a simple “good job.” Whatever the form, encouragement can go a long way.

It can help employees feel appreciated and motivated. And it can also help them feel like they’re part of a team.

9. Be Fair:

Fairness is vital in any relationship. But it’s essential in the boss-employee relationship.

Employers should be fair regarding things like pay, promotions, and assignments.

And there may be times when it’s impossible to be 100% fair. Employers should always strive to be as fine as possible.

Some tips to help employers be fair to include:

– Be consistent in your treatment of employees

– Avoid favoritism

– Be transparent

– Give employees a chance to voice their concerns

– Listen to what employees have to say

These steps can help ensure that employers are being fair to their employees.

10. Honesty Is The Best Policy:

Honesty is always the best policy. Employers should be honest with their employees.

This means being open and truthful about company goals, deadlines, and expectations.

It also means being honest about feedback, both positive and negative.

And while it’s not always easy to deliver bad news. It’s essential, to be honest with employees.

They deserve to know where they stand and what they must work on.

11. Be Professional:

Being professional doesn’t mean being cold or impersonal. It means maintaining a level of distance that is appropriate for the relationship.

This means being respectful, courteous, and polite. It also means maintaining appropriate boundaries.

For example, employers should avoid getting too personal with employees. They should also avoid discussing sensitive topics.

And it’s okay to be friendly. But employers should avoid being friends with employees.

12. Have A Positive Attitude Towards Them:

Having a positive attitude towards employees is essential. It can help create a positive and productive work environment.

Some ways to show a positive attitude include:

– Saying hello and goodbye

– Thanking employees for their work

– Asking about their day

– Complimenting them on a job well done

– Encouraging them when they’re struggling

– Showing genuine interest in their lives

Positivity is contagious. So, when employers have a positive attitude. It can help employees feel more positive, too.

13. Show Consideration:

Showing consideration means taking employees’ needs and feelings into account.

It’s about being understanding and accommodating. For example, if an employee is going through a tough time. The employer should show consideration.

This might mean being flexible with their hours or assignments. It might also mean giving them time off if they need it.

14. Be Willing To Cooperate:

Cooperation doesn’t necessarily mean support. It also means working together towards a common goal.

For example, if an employer and employee disagree on something. They should be willing to cooperate and find a compromise.

This might mean compromising on hours, assignments, or even pay. But it’s important to remember that cooperation is a two-way street.

Both the employer and employee should be willing to cooperate.

15. Show Compassion:

Compassion is about empathizing with employees. It’s about understanding what they’re going through and feeling empathy for them.

But compassion also means more than just feeling bad for someone. It also means taking action to help them.

For example, if an employee is struggling with their workload. The employer should show compassion by taking the burden off of them.

Or by offering them additional support. Like training or mentorship.

16. Demonstrate Integrity:

Integrity is about being honest and ethical. It’s about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.

For example, employers should avoid cutting corners. They should also avoid taking advantage of employees.

And while it’s not always easy to do the right thing. For instance, if there’s pressure to meet a deadline. Employers need to maintain their integrity.

17. Be Open-Minded:

If an employee has an idea that could help improve the workplace. Employers should be open to hearing it.

And while employers don’t have to agree with everything their employees say. It’s essential to be open-minded and consider their suggestions.

Some ways to be open-minded include:

– Listening to employees

– Asking questions

– Considering their suggestions

– Being willing to change

When employers are open-minded, it can help create an open and inclusive workplace.

18. Be Willing To Listen:

Listening includes one-to-one conversations, team meetings, and even casual conversations.

When employers listen to employees, they value their input and feedback.

Some ways to be a better listener include:

– Paying attention

– Asking questions

– Clarifying points

– Reflecting on what employees say

– Giving employees time to speak

Listening is an essential part of communication. And when employers listen. It can help build trust and respect.

19. Be Willing To Help:

Helping employees doesn’t always mean doing things for them. It can also mean providing support and guidance.

For example, if an employee is struggling with a task. The employer could offer to help them. Or if an employee is looking for career advice. The employer could offer to mentor them.

Helping employees can also give them the necessary resources to succeed. Like training or development opportunities.

Moreover, employers should be able to handle conflict. So that they can help resolve any issues between employees.

20. Be Sincere:

Sincere means being honest and authentic. It’s about saying what you mean and meaning what you say.

For example, employers should avoid making promises they can’t keep. They should also avoid being overly critical. And while it’s okay to give constructive feedback.

It should be in a way that is respectful and helpful. Being sincere also means being genuine in your interactions with employees.

This includes things like showing appreciation or saying thank you. When employers are sincere, it can help create a positive and productive workplace.

Final Word:

How should your boss treat you? The answer is simple. With respect, by showing compassion, demonstrating integrity, and being open-minded.

Also, they should be willing to listen and help and be sincere. Your boss can create a positive and productive workplace where you can succeed.

Last Updated on 9 months by Shahzaib Arshad