When someone is placed in a position of power or authority over others, it can sometimes lead to treating those beneath them with disrespect. Think about the people who clean your place of business. Whether it’s our people or someone else, they cannot function properly if they are not treated with dignity or respect.

This post is not in response to any particular situation we’ve encountered. It’s just a friendly reminder to think about basic human dignity in all that you do. Being praised and feeling appreciated is a basic human need. When this is lacking, it’s natural to feel dejected and demotivated.

So, treat others exactly the way you’d want to be treated.

Show respect.
You cannot be disrespectful to your cleaning people and expect them to give you their best. For them to give you the respect you think you deserve, by polite and respectful to them. Use a friendly tone when talking to them. Call them by name. If you don’t know it, find out.

Be kind.
Kindness goes a long way in creating goodwill between people. Being kind to your cleaning people will ensure they stay motivated and treat you with equal kindness. If you feel they’re not doing their work properly, by all means tell them. But do it without yelling or being angry.

Smile and say hello.
Even though your cleaners are often invisible because they do their work after you go home, pausing to say hello if you see them can honor their humanity. It may seem trivial, but it can go a long way.

Respect should not be informed by status or labels. See a person for their potential and treat them with the kindness they deserve as a human being. With that, we’ve got some cleaning to do so. And we’ll do it with kindness and respect. Thanks for listening.