Thursday, June 4, 2026

Standing Your Ground, and Staying Steady on the Job

How to handle disrespectful behaviour at work

By Tenille Kowalchuk

I recently had the opportunity to sit on a panel for a Women in Construction event. These conversations always remind me how valuable it is to share practical advice that women can actually use on site, especially those who are newer to construction or navigating a tough situation at work.

But I wanted to share this because this advice applies to everyone in all workplaces—not just the construction industry.

I’ve worked in construction for more than 19 years. Before becoming a CLAC representative, I was a member of Locals 63 and 56 working as a heavy equipment operator and Class 1 driver. I also come from a family rooted in the trades, so I grew up knowing the industry provides a solid, rewarding career.

One topic that sparked meaningful conversation at the panel was how to handle disrespectful or dismissive behaviour on the job. This doesn’t just apply to the construction world. It transcends across all workplaces and genders.

How do you respond to disrespect without losing your cool? My biggest advice is to stay professional and grounded. Keeping your composure in tense moments shows confidence and can stop things from escalating. Speaking clearly and directly matters. There’s no need to apologize for having knowledge or experience. Sometimes, a simple statement like, “I’d like to finish my point,” can shift the tone of a conversation.

If the poor behaviour is repeated, I always recommend documenting it. Write down what happened, when it happened, and who was present. This can be helpful if the issue needs to be brought to a steward, representative, or management.

Addressing concerns early is often the best route, especially through a private conversation. A lot of situations improve when someone respectfully explains how a comment or action landed.

Support systems matter, too. If you’re unsure what to do next, talk to your steward, representative, or a senior staff member who can support you. Most people want a respectful workplace, and many will support positive behaviour once they know what’s happening.

Understanding workplace policies is also important. Employers and collective agreements have procedures for addressing harassment and maintaining respectful environments. If behaviour crosses the line or creates an unsafe space, it should be reported through the proper channels and followed up until it’s resolved.

Another word of advice: don’t take things personally. Workplaces can be intense. Tight deadlines, safety concerns, and unexpected challenges create pressure. I try to reframe tense moments because often the offending behaviour stems from frustration about the situation, not about you. Asking yourself what pressure someone might be under can shift your reaction from defensive to more measured.

It also helps to stay grounded in the task. You can’t control someone else’s tone, but you can control how you respond. Taking a short breather before reacting can prevent escalation and earn quiet respect.Building relationships outside of stressful moments makes a difference, too. Sharing a laugh, offering help, or checking in after a tense exchange strengthens trust. Clearing the air once things cool down shows maturity and helps prevent ongoing tension.

Remember that strength in your work isn’t only about your skill. It’s also about your professionalism, resilience, and willingness to support others. When you bring those qualities to the job every day, you’re not just doing your work well, you’re helping create the kind of workplace we all deserve.

Standing Your Ground, and Staying Steady on the Job

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