Respect is a must in relationships of all kinds, and that includes professional ones.
Being respected by your colleagues means they listen to what you have to say, consider your suggestions, and appreciate the work you do. It’s what keeps teams chugging along peacefully and efficiently, and it keeps morale up. Sadly, if you notice these things happening at your job, your co-workers’ respect for you is sorely lacking, and it shows.
1. They interrupt you constantly.
If you can’t get through a thought without being cut off, it’s a pretty clear sign that your voice isn’t being valued. It’s not just rude—it sends the message that your ideas don’t matter enough to deserve the floor. Over time, being constantly interrupted can make you wonder whether your input is even worth offering. Standing your ground and calmly redirecting the conversation back to your point can help reclaim some of that space.
2. They take credit for your ideas.
There’s nothing more infuriating than hearing someone else get praised for something you said in the meeting five minutes ago. When coworkers take credit for your ideas, it’s not just disrespectful—it’s demoralising. It can make you hesitant to share your thoughts in the future, which is the last thing any workplace needs. Make a habit of clearly documenting and presenting everything you’ve contributed, so there’s no room for ambiguity.
3. They ignore your input.
Having your suggestions brushed aside without so much as a discussion is a subtle but telling way people show disrespect. It’s not just that your idea wasn’t taken—it’s that it wasn’t even considered. When this happens repeatedly, it can leave you feeling invisible and undervalued. Asking follow-up questions like, “Can you tell me why this idea might not work?” can push the conversation forward while making it clear that your input deserves attention.
4. They don’t acknowledge your accomplishments.
If your hard work goes unnoticed while other people are getting shoutouts for doing the bare minimum, it’s hard not to feel slighted. Recognition isn’t about ego—it’s about being seen and valued for the effort you put in. Consistently being overlooked for your contributions can drain your motivation and make you question your worth. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself—sometimes a little self-promotion is necessary in environments where respect is lacking.
5. They expect you to pick up the slack.
When coworkers assume you’ll cover for them, fix their mistakes, or take on their share of the workload, it shows they don’t respect your time or boundaries. It’s exhausting to be seen as the go-to person for everyone else’s messes, especially when your own tasks pile up. Setting firm boundaries and saying “no” when needed isn’t selfish—it’s how you protect your energy and keep things fair.
6. They ignore or even stomp all over your boundaries.
Whether it’s blowing past your “do not disturb” time or sending work-related messages after hours, ignoring boundaries is a blatant sign of disrespect. It shows they don’t see your personal time or space as valuable. Enforcing your boundaries might feel awkward at first, but it’s the only way to make sure you’re treated with the consideration you deserve.
7. They talk over you in meetings.
Being talked over in a meeting is more than just an annoyance—it’s a way of silencing you and diminishing your role in the conversation. It can make everyone else in the room see you as less influential, even if that’s far from the truth. Politely but firmly saying, “I wasn’t finished” can help re-establish your voice in the discussion and set a boundary for future interactions.
8. They exclude you from important discussions.
When important decisions are being made, and you’re not invited to the table, it’s a sign your input isn’t being valued. Being left out of the loop can make you feel sidelined and disconnected from the team. Speak up about wanting to be involved and highlight the ways your expertise comes in handy when it comes to achieving the goals at hand.
9. They undermine your authority.
If you’re in a leadership role and people bypass you, question your decisions, or openly challenge you, it can quickly destroy trust and respect (if they had any to begin with, that is). This kind of behaviour can make it harder to maintain your position and get things done. Address it directly and calmly, making it clear that collaboration is welcome, but undermining isn’t.
10. They give you vague or incomplete instructions.
When someone leaves you guessing about what they need, it’s not just frustrating—it’s disrespectful. Clear communication shows respect for your time and abilities, and the lack of it can feel dismissive. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or more details to avoid unnecessary confusion and wasted effort.
11. They make inappropriate jokes at your expense.
A bit of light banter is one thing, but when jokes cross into personal or persistent territory, it stops being funny. It’s disrespectful, unprofessional, and can chip away at your confidence over time. If this happens, calmly let the person know it’s not okay and set a clear boundary around what kind of humour is acceptable.
12. They micromanage you unnecessarily.
When someone is constantly hovering over your work, checking every little detail, or questioning your decisions, it sends the message that they don’t trust your competence. Not only is this annoying, but it’s also a waste of everyone’s time. Communicating your skills and successes clearly can help establish your independence and reduce unnecessary oversight.
13. They don’t respect your time.
Whether it’s scheduling last-minute meetings, being late to appointments, or interrupting your work without a good reason, a disregard for your time shows they don’t see your schedule as important. It’s okay to push back politely but firmly and remind people that your time is just as valuable as theirs.
14. They minimise your role.
Source: Unsplash Comments like “Your job must be easy” or “That’s not that hard, is it?” downplay the effort and expertise you bring to the table. It’s dismissive and can make you feel like your work isn’t being taken seriously. Don’t be afraid to highlight the complexity and importance of what you do—your contributions deserve recognition.
15. They gossip about you behind your back.
Hearing that coworkers are talking about you negatively when you’re not around creates a toxic work environment. Gossip damages trust and can make it hard to feel secure in your team. If this happens, address it calmly but directly, making it clear that you’re aware and that the behaviour is unprofessional.
