Demanding, insulting or stereotyping other people is always a mistake. We should never assume anything about another person. It is simply poor manners. Discussing differences concerning race, ethics, gender or sexual orientation can be disastrous and rude and should not be the subject of comment or jokes.
At work, we focus on work and must respect others.
Respecting disability
Let's start from people with disabilities.
When you work with someone with disabilities, you may think they need to be treated differently. But, this is far from the truth.
Generally, national laws require employers to make reasonable accommodation for those with disabilities. This includes providing necessary aids for those with hearing or vision disabilities, removing physical barriers. It is often surprising for employers, how little it costs to accommodate an employee with disabilities in comparison to what contribution the employee can make to the company. These legal requirements are not more than minimum considerations and courtesy requirements. Yes, why did we come to that? Why law needs to dictate for us to be considerate and kind? Think about it.
Anyway, lets look at what we say. What you say can have a huge impact on how you make others feel.
Most of all, avoid using word "invalid" when referring to those with disabilities. And also avoid using "normal" or "healthy" the referring to those without disabilities. In fact, many people with disabilities are in an excellent health.
The general rule is to acknowledge the disability. If you are an employer you need to train your staff on how to anticipate and accommodate whose with disabilities. You also need to educate yourself on the different aids the disable people are using: herring aids, wheelchairs, and any technology they may use. Think about parking, restrooms, elevators.
When you meet someone with a disability for the first time offer to shake their hand. If it is not possible, a light touch on a shoulder is perfectly appropriate.
We must also avoid staring at someone with disability as it may be hurtful for them. Simply, look everyone in their eyes.
If the person has given you permission to do so, help them. If you are asked for help, ask for specific instructions.
If someone has hearing impairment, the best way for them to acknowledge you is a light touch at the shoulder. Never ask the person who have hearing disability to teach you a sigh language. It is considered rude. Someone may have an interpreter, but always talk to the person and not the interpreter. The person with hearing impairment may be able to read from your mouth so ensure you talk clearly, but naturally. Never talk while eating. Never shout hoping they will hear you or treat them like a child.
When meeting a person with visual impairments, always introduce yourself and others in the room. Talk when you are moving around the room. If there is anything to read, offer to read those out loud. Offering assistance to someone with vision impairments is always appropriate. If you are asked to guide, offer your elbow and describe the route you are going.
When dealing with animals, never touch the animal, unless you are given permission.
Respecting ethnicity
When interacting with others from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, we often do not know how to behave.
The most important thing, however, is not to stereotype. You need to respect people, their culture, language. At work, we focus on work. Very useful, would be knowing more than one language. If your business regularly talks to a certain part of the world, why not to learn the language? Read about the part of the world, learn about the culture. It can be a very enriching experience.
Respecting gender
When dealing with gender and sex in the workplace inappropriately can become a mess.
One way to deal with it is to acknowledge that everyone has a sex life and, forget about it!
People's private life is private. Let's leave it as that.
You should never assume someones orientation and make jokes about it.
Gender should not be the focus in business. In today's business world we should be blind to gender. This also applies to general behaviour at work. It is not that am man has to open a door for woman.
Whoever is closer to the door, opens them. Whoever needs help to carry stationary or papers, gets the help, whoever is hosting a dinner or lunch - pays for it. Woman shake hands in business and men do as well.
Treating people with respect and make them feel comfortable show your kind nature. I am not saying you are unkind and rude, but at times we do not know how to act and making mistakes we are not aware of.
I hope this short guide with help you to feel more comfortable working and interacting with different people at the workplace. No matter, their gender, race or orientation.
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