While any manager or business owner knows productivity is essential for a successful business, incivility in the workplace can greatly dampen your employees’ ability to work together and be efficient. For example, if an employee has a colleague who purposefully walks past their desk and makes snide remarks about their viewpoint regarding social and political issues, they could become distracted, find reasons not to come to work, or even quit. This all affects your business.
The Impact of Workplace Incivility
Workplace incivility is more than just an annoyance; it can lead to real financial and operational consequences. Studies show that incivility can result in:
- Decreased Productivity: Employees who feel disrespected often lose focus, which hinders their ability to perform at their best.
- Higher Turnover Rates: Employees subjected to incivility may seek employment elsewhere, leading to increased recruitment and training costs.
- Lower Employee Engagement: A hostile work environment can demotivate employees, leading to disengagement and lower morale across the team.
According to SHRM’s Q3 2024 Civility Index Survey, the biggest drivers of incivility in the U.S. workplace were:
- Political viewpoints
- Disagreements on social issues
- Generational gaps
- Racial or ethnic differences
- The direction of U.S. society
Instead of ignoring this fact and hoping that employees can all just get along, company leaders should set the expectation of workplace civility.
Steps to Foster Workplace Civility
Here are some actionable strategies employers can implement to improve civility in the workplace:
1. Lead by Example: Leadership plays a crucial role in setting the tone for workplace behavior. Executives and managers should model respectful communication and behavior in all interactions.
2. Host Open Forums: Organize town hall-style meetings where the executive team can discuss the importance of civility, openly address employee concerns, and demonstrate a commitment to fostering a respectful workplace culture.
3. Review and Update Policies: Ensure that your company’s code of conduct explicitly outlines expectations for workplace civility. This should include policies addressing harassment, discrimination, and other forms of disrespectful behavior.
4. Provide Training: Conduct workshops or training sessions on emotional intelligence and conflict resolution. These programs can equip employees with the tools they need to navigate workplace differences respectfully.
5. Equip Managers: Provide managers with talking points and resources related to workplace civility. Encourage them to have regular conversations with their teams about maintaining respect in the workplace.
6. Integrate Civility into HR Processes: Include workplace civility expectations in job descriptions and performance evaluations. This reinforces the importance of respectful behavior as a core value of the organization.
7. Address Incivility Promptly and Fairly: When issues of incivility arise, address them quickly and impartially. Consistently apply your company’s procedures, regardless of personal feelings about the individuals involved.
8. Communicate Consequences: Make it clear that violating civility policies has consequences. This can include corrective actions, up to and including termination, depending on the severity of the behavior.
The Value of Workplace Civility
Demanding workplace civility does not mean everyone has to agree on everything. It’s about creating a work environment where employees feel valued for who they are and where differences are respected. When employees can collaborate in a respectful and inclusive environment, they are more likely to feel engaged, productive, and loyal to the organization.
By prioritizing workplace civility, employers can foster a culture that not only enhances employee well-being but also drives business success.