UNITED STATES—There is something about the word respect that is not so easy to decipher. I mean if someone were to ask you today what does the word respect mean? Hmm, that is a good question I guess I would best describe ‘respect’ as a mutual admiration or to see someone in a high-esteem because of certain qualities they display.

It’s hard to fathom now that I reflect back on things, that respect is not such an easy word to describe, especially when so many of us use the term as if we actually know what it truly means. I think the word is most utilized when it comes to the workplace. How we say we respect our co-workers or our bosses, but how often does the word actually come to fruition where we feel as if it is something we’ve earned or should be reciprocated.

I think the workplace is a region, where things are most frustrating about employers not giving their employees respect. Just because you’re in a position of power, does not give one the ability to be over-the-top rude and disrespectful. It’s one thing to call people out on not properly performing a task expected of them, but when it goes to a place where a person is attacking an individual’s character, that is too much.

I lose all respect for them. It’s like that saying, “Just because you can be a jack*** doesn’t mean you have to actually act like one.” But for the life of me, those in positions of power tend to evoke such a demeanor time and time again. With a passion, I feel for those employees who are forced to deal with the burden of such behavior; it’s not easy and at the same time, it is difficult for one to bite their tongue when they have no other option for employment.

I’m speaking from the perspective of an employee who did his job to the fullest, only to be taunted, disrespected and treated as if my contributions to the company never went recognized. I’ve said this before and I’ll continue to say this again and again: treat employees like they matter (especially the ones who work with every ounce of energy they have), because once they leave the establishment, it strikes the other employees and those bosses in ways they never expected.

That employee who gave them all the respect in the world, the one who did their job to the fullest potential is no longer an asset to the company. The person never received the respect that he or she deserved has left a hole in the company that will not be easily replaced.

Yeah, it hurts, but most companies and employees never realize the issue until it’s too late. Can the person be swayed back to the company? Honestly, I don’t know, but in my situation it was a 100 percent decision that once I shut that door, I had no intention of re-opening.

We live in this world where so MANY people demand respect, but they never consider the notion of giving it as well. Respect has always been seen as a two-way street: those who give respect will receive it and vice versa. I don’t care that you’re a superior figure in the workplace, that doesn’t automatically grant you that privilege. Yes, respect is a privilege in my opinion. You don’t just get it, like so many people think they’re entitled to.

I’ve always wanted to know growing up why so many people stated as a child that I should always respect my elders. It was because they were wise beyond their years and in most situations I rarely recall a situation where an elder of mine didn’t give me the same respect that I gave them, not expecting that respect to begin with. I wish that same energy was reverberated throughout more workplaces. Respect is something that should be treated with care, I wonder how those bosses will feel if they were knocked off their pedestal and forced to earn respect the way they demand it.