Respect, particularly in the workplace, can often be a tricky thing to decipher. It’s not always about big gestures or grand declarations.

Sometimes, it’s the little things – the subtle behaviors and almost imperceptible signs that can indicate a deep-seated respect.

These are the things that people do without even realizing, the habits that reveal their true feelings.

However, spotting these signs can be quite challenging. They’re often subtle and easy to overlook. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

In this article, I’ll share with you 7 subtle behaviors that indicate your coworker respects you deep down, even if they don’t openly admit it.

So sit back and let’s dive into this fascinating world of unspoken admiration.

1) They listen to you

Listening, truly listening, is a rare and valuable skill. And in the workplace, it’s often a clear sign of respect.

If you find your coworker taking the time to really hear what you have to say, it suggests they value your opinion.

They’re not just passively sitting there, but actively engaging with your thoughts and ideas.

And here’s the thing – active listening takes effort. It’s more than just not talking when someone else is speaking.

It involves understanding, responding, and remembering what was said.

So if your coworker remembers that thing you mentioned in passing weeks ago or follows up on a topic you discussed recently, it may indicate more than just a good memory.

It’s a subtle sign of respect – one that says they genuinely care about your voice and perspective.

2) They seek your advice

There’s a certain kind of respect that comes when someone values your opinion enough to ask for your advice. I’ve experienced this myself.

I remember a time at my previous job when a coworker, who was just as experienced as I was, started coming to me for advice on handling certain projects.

At first, I was a bit surprised. But then, I realized it was because they respected my judgment and expertise.

They believed that I could offer valuable insights and potential solutions to the challenges they were facing.

It wasn’t about ego or showing off; they genuinely wanted my perspective and trusted me enough to help them make decisions.

It was a subtle sign of respect that meant a lot to me. It showed me that they saw the value in my experiences and trusted my judgment.

3) They respect your time

Time is a valuable commodity, especially in the workplace. If a coworker respects your time, it’s a strong indicator of their overall respect for you.

This could manifest in various ways: they don’t unnecessarily prolong meetings, they avoid interrupting you when you’re deeply focused on a task, or they make sure to schedule discussions at a convenient time for you.

Interestingly, a TED Talk by Christine Porath discusses how respectful behaviors, including valuing others’ time, can boost professional success and improve organizational performance.

It shows that they recognize and appreciate the value of your time and efforts.

4) They acknowledge your contributions

Recognition in the workplace is crucial. It not only boosts morale but also fosters a culture of respect and appreciation.

If a coworker consistently acknowledges your contributions, whether big or small, it’s a clear sign of respect.

They see the work you’re doing, they appreciate it, and they’re not shy about expressing that appreciation.

This can be as simple as a “great job on that presentation” or “thanks for your help in resolving that issue”. It’s about acknowledging the value of your work and your efforts.

Sometimes, respect is just about the simple act of recognizing and appreciating one another’s work.

5) They support you in challenging times

Work can be stressful, and we all have our moments of difficulty. During these times, the support of a coworker can mean the world.

I recall a time when I was handed a project that was way out of my comfort zone.

I felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed. But one coworker, whom I had always had a professional relationship with, stepped in to help.

They took the time to go through the project with me, breaking down each task into manageable chunks.

They offered advice, shared their own experiences, and assured me that it was okay to make mistakes.

Their support didn’t just help me navigate that project; it also made me feel valued and respected.

It taught me that when a coworker is there for you during your challenging times, it’s a clear sign of respect.

6) They include you in decisions

Inclusion is a powerful sign of respect, especially when it comes to decision-making.

If a coworker includes you in decisions, particularly those that directly impact your work or the team, it’s a strong indicator that they respect your judgement and value your input.

Being included in decisions means they trust your ability to contribute meaningfully to the discussion and believe you can help shape the outcome.

This kind of trust and respect is not easy to earn in the workplace. It requires a high level of professional esteem and personal regard.

7) They treat you as an equal

At the end of the day, one of the most telling signs of respect is when a coworker treats you as an equal.

This doesn’t necessarily mean you’re on the same level in terms of roles or hierarchy. Instead, it’s about mutual respect and acknowledging each other’s worth.

When a coworker treats you as their equal, they recognize your value and acknowledge that you bring something unique to the table.

They don’t belittle your ideas, dismiss your concerns, or undermine your achievements. They see you as a valuable member of the team.

This recognition is perhaps the most significant sign of deep-seated respect.

It underpins all the other behaviors we’ve discussed and forms the foundation of a respectful professional relationship.