What do dignity and respect mean at work?
Dignity and respect in the workplace go beyond policies and procedures. They relate to how people treat one another day to day, how boundaries are respected, how differences are valued, and how concerns are addressed when they arise.
Misunderstood behaviour or expectations damages trust and morale. Workplaces built on respect and shared values have higher engagement, retention, and psychological safety.
The employer's duty of care
Employers in Ireland have a clear duty of care to their employees under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. In practice, this means taking reasonable steps to protect employees’ safety, health and welfare at work, including preventing improper conduct or behaviour that could put people at risk.
Proactive employers implement measures to identify and support employees facing high stress or struggling with work-life balance. Clear procedures allow employers to respond quickly and assure employees that well-being is a priority.
Why wellbeing and work-life balance matter
Employees experience varying levels of stress throughout their working lives. When organisations prioritise wellbeing, they often see tangible benefits, including improved productivity and creativity, higher employee loyalty and retention, reduced absenteeism and illness, stronger morale and better customer outcomes.
Supporting work-life balance is central to workplace wellbeing. Practical steps like defined work hours, manageable workloads, and strong time management build boundaries between work and personal life. With this support, employees are more engaged, motivated, and resilient.
Practical steps employers can take
Employers can promote dignity, respect, and well-being at work through practical steps such as offering mental health training, providing confidential support resources, and regularly monitoring workload balance. Awareness and early intervention are key. Workplace demands should be fair and reasonable, and prompt action on stress or well-being concerns can prevent escalation.
Clear policies and procedures, such as a Dignity and Respect at Work Policy, set expectations and explain how concerns or complaints will be handled. Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) offer confidential, accessible support and provide a cost-effective way to promote wellbeing across an organisation.
Promote open communication by encouraging regular team discussions and inviting feedback. Clearly outline expectations in employment contracts, communicate work boundaries, and offer flexibility where possible, such as remote or adaptable hours. Hold occasional reviews to assess whether workloads or scheduling need adjustment for employees’ well-being.
Organisational values play a significant role in shaping behaviour. When values are clearly defined, regularly communicated and genuinely embedded, they guide decision-making and influence how people work together.
Workplaces guided by strong values are more likely to foster inclusion, belonging and accountability, all essential elements of a positive, high-performing culture.
How NFP Ireland can support your organisation
Building a respectful and inclusive workplace takes more than policies alone. NFP Ireland’s HR Solutions team works with organisations across Ireland to provide practical, values led HR support that helps strengthen workplace culture, manage risk and support employee wellbeing.
From dignity and respect at work guidance and HR policy development to manager training, performance management and wellbeing initiatives, our specialists offer tailored advice to meet the needs of each organisation. We also deliver dignity and respect at work training for employees and managers, delivered virtually or in person, and tailored to your workplace.