Lately, I’ve been noticing something worrying in the business world. Meetings are missed, emails are ignored, and respect seems to be slipping away. It’s like the pace has picked up so much that the small, human details, the ones that really matter, are being left behind. More and more, the focus seems to be on quick results and big profits, instead of true values and genuine connections.
Many companies loudly talk about their mission and values, but it often feels empty. Is it all just about chasing money and moving fast now? In this article, we’ll dive into these concerns, explore why this might be happening, and discuss potential solutions to restore the balance and respect in business.
This article is part of a broader series where I tackle topics related to entrepreneurship and business that you can find on my Medium Profile, a theme I frequently discuss and share insights on through my LinkedIn.
The Decrease of Respect in the Business World
If you’re involved in the business world, you’ve likely noticed an increase in missed calls, late or forgotten meetings, and unread emails. Personally, I began to observe this trend early in my entrepreneurship journey and have seen it grow over time. There’s a noticeable shift from valuing interpersonal respect to emphasizing quick outcomes.
Real life examples:
- Rise in “Ghosting” in Professional Settings:
A term from the dating scene, ‘ghosting’, meaning abruptly ending all communication, found its way into business around the 2020s. Job applicants began ghosting employers, missing interviews or their first day, and companies did the same to potential hires. This behavior signals a drop in professional respect and communication. - Growing Number of Unread Emails:
According to a report from DMR Business Statistics, the average office worker received 121 emails a day, and about 40% of those emails went unread. While not all of these are intentional neglects, it does show an overwhelming influx of communication that professionals struggle to keep up with. - Punctuality Issues:
A survey by YouGov revealed that roughly 1 in 5 employees admitted to being late for work at least once a week. While some reasons are valid, like family emergencies or traffic, the increasing frequency does indicate a lax attitude toward punctuality. - The Instant Gratification Culture:
According to a study from the National Library of Medicine, the omnipresence of the internet and smartphones has led to an increase in the need for instant gratification. This impacts the business world too, as deals are expected to close faster, responses are expected immediately, and the patience for long-term results diminishes.
The Speed Obsession
The main reason behind this trend is simple: everything is moving too quickly. The pace of business has accelerated so much that many find it challenging to keep up. This raises a couple of pertinent questions.
Why is everything moving so rapidly?
I could delve deep into this topic, but I’ll keep it brief. Business today is more competitive than ever. This fierce competition requires adaptability and the capacity to evolve at high speeds. If you’re not tuned into the latest market trends today, your business might become irrelevant tomorrow.
What are the consequences when we value speed over quality?
One could argue there are both positive and negative outcomes. But beneficial for whom? Speed allows some businesses to expand rapidly, endure challenges, and achieve their goals. On the flip side, this haste often overshadows the human elements, which many consider the heart of business.
Profit Over People: The New Business Philosophy?
These days, it seems businesses prioritize profit over human values. On one hand, you can’t entirely fault some companies; after all, they’re offering jobs and putting food on tables for countless families. But still, the market, and the world at large, are shaping this trend.
What we’re seeing is a widening gap between what companies say (their missions and values) and what they actually do. Think about it. Two or three decades ago, businesses started shouting their grand visions — maybe because they believed in them, or maybe just so they wouldn’t be seen as pure money machines. But now, even if that trend has turned into a standard playbook move, it feels like it’s just fake.
A Shift from Mission to Margin
Take Apple. It once stood for innovation, design, and giving consumers cool, cutting-edge gadgets. Nowadays? It seems more about squeezing out every last dollar.
Facebook (now Meta): Despite its mission to “Give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together,” Facebook has faced several controversies surrounding user data handling, the spread of misinformation, and potential mental health effects. These challenges raise questions about the company’s commitment to genuinely fostering community and meaningful connections.
Amazon: With a mission “To be Earth’s most customer-centric company,” Amazon often receives praise for its impeccable customer service. However, warehouse working conditions, worker treatment, and aggressive competitive strategies suggests a potential divergence from its foundational goal, particularly concerning employee well-being.
It’s not that these giants are pure villains. They’ve done a lot of good, innovated, and made significant positive impacts. But if even these behemoths, always under the media microscope and with massive resources, sometimes stray from their missions, what about the average company? How much are they truly investing in upholding the values they put forward?
The Impersonal Nature of Modern Business
The evolution of business, driven by relentless advancements and technologies, has naturally reduced personal interactions within day-to-day company operations.
The increase, more specifically in technology companies, has also led most organizations to use new software and tools that benefit speed and efficiency but remove almost all forms of human touch.
Something that should not be neglected is the fact that some companies just don’t care about anything but their pockets. One thing is to want to make a living, even a good one, and earn a lot of money. The other is to be solely centered and focused on profits behind the facade of corporate values.
Beyond Immediate Impact
The consequences we discussed earlier doesn’t just stop there. After observing a lack of respect in the business environment comes the side effects. Employees and customers start losing trust in the corporate culture. Morale goes down, and a shift is inevitable.
The Bigger Picture
It’s challenging to predict exactly what will happen and when, but one thing’s for sure: this is not a sustainable model. When businesses start forgetting their values, it’s not just them who feel it. Everyone does.
- Business Becomes Less Honest
Think about it. When big companies do things that don’t feel right, others think it’s okay to do it too. Over time, it could become a habit for many businesses to just chase money and forget about being honest. - People Trust Less
People buy things because they trust companies. But if these companies keep letting them down, they might start to wonder who they can really trust. This means they might not stick to one brand and just look for cheaper prices. - Money Over Everything Might Hurt the Economy
If every company just thinks about today’s profit and forgets about tomorrow, they might not invest in new ideas or training for their workers. This can slow down new inventions and might even make the economy shaky.
Bringing Back Respect in Business
People often lose sight of why they do what they do. If the motivation is to earn money, it’s often rooted in caring for their family and their immediate community. This very motivation underlines the importance of respect, values, and the quality of interactions.
The other reason why it’s important is because I see that it is the best long term investment. It might seem challenging to adopt this mindset in a tough economy, but history has shown that companies that think long-term are the ones most celebrated and resilient.
While businesses can implement measures to reshape their culture, I believe the most pivotal changes come from individuals. Sure, you might receive 200 emails daily, and addressing all might be unrealistic. However, prioritizing genuine messages — those from individuals who took the time to write thoughtfully — is a step toward change. The same principle applies to meetings. Being occasionally late or having to cancel is understandable, but it’s essential to show respect to the other person. This holds true regardless of the potential financial outcome of the interaction.
It’s a vicious circle, and it takes the bravest ones to break it.
Last Words
It’s crucial to remember that businesses aren’t just machines for making money. They’re made up of people — individuals with hopes, dreams, and the need for meaningful interactions. When we prioritize the human elements of business, not only do we foster a healthier work environment, but we also create companies that resonate more deeply with customers and stand the test of time.
It’s time for a shift. By slowing down, valuing quality over speed, and putting people over profits, we can pave the way for a business world that truly values respect and genuine connection. It might not be the easiest path, but it’s certainly the one worth taking for a brighter, more respectful future.
