Is being treated well on the job a right or a privilege?

Well, maybe neither. But, since studies show that employees who feel respected and appreciated work harder and are more productive, you’d think employers would catch on and at least make an effort to treat their employees well.  And I know not all employers treat their employees like crap. Companies like Google, Zappos and NetApp are well known for being great places to work. These companies, and thousands like them, reward creativity, provide employees with autonomy and well, treat their employees with respect. It makes you wonder, how difficult can it be for employers and managers to treat their employees with respect?

Obviously it’s pretty difficult, especially in an economic downturn. Employees have been reporting higher levels of dissatisfaction with their jobs and their bosses. Some correlate the increase in bad boss behavior to the bad economy, noting that managers are under greater stress, forced to do more with less resources. As a result, some managers are becoming less accommodating of employee requests, providing less positive reinforcement and feedback, and in general, are becoming more difficult to work with. So where does that leave the rest of us?

I’ve worked with managers who felt that their responsibility to me ended with issuing a paycheck at the end of each week. Their obligation to me, and every other employee for that matter, didn’t extend to providing a good working environment, and it certainly didn’t mean they had to be respectful. Truth is, they don’t really. There’s no requirement by law that they provide employees with a great, fulfilling work experience. They’re not breaking any laws when they micro-manage us, belittle us, and deem positive reinforcement a sign of weakness. No, being treated well on the job is neither a right nor a privilege. But it is good business. And until more companies realize this, they’ll constantly be in a cycle of losing valuable resources, great employees and consumer confidence – all things that will eventually impact their all important bottom line.

We’d like to hear your opinions on this subject, especially since we’re in an economy where many of us are just grateful to have a job. Is it asking too much to expect our managers treat us with respect? Tell us what you think in the comment section after the jump.

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