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Workplace Civility

Writer's picture: Lezlee HatchLezlee Hatch

By Lezlee Hatch, Senior HR Consultant, Impact HR Group


This fall brings an interesting political season for our nation. The increased interest in politics, as well as world events, may bring hotter conversation topics into the workplace. It is important to set a tone that aligns with your company culture and values for dealing with conflicting views in the workplace. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) recently published an article focusing on Workplace Incivility. The article quoted a recent survey of over 1,000 US employees that found two-thirds of workers (66 percent) say they have experienced or witnessed incivility in their workplace within the past month and over half (57 percent) say they have experienced or witnessed incivility at work within the past week!


The most common forms witnessed or experienced included addressing others disrespectfully or interrupting or silencing others while they are speaking, along with excessive monitoring or micromanaging. We can do better!

 

In part, the SHRM article said:


“'A lack of civility in the workplace can have profound consequences for any company', said Jim Link, CHRO at SHRM, 'but the effects incivility has on the individual employee should serve as a particular cause for concern among business leaders.

               

  • Employees who believe their workplace is uncivil (28 percent) are over 3 times more likely than those who say their workplace is civil (9 percent) to say they are dissatisfied with their jobs.

  • Employees who believe their workplace is uncivil (38 percent) are more than twice as likely than those who say their workplace is civil (17 percent) to say they will likely leave their jobs over the next 12 months.

  • Employees who believe their workplace is civil (76 percent) are significantly more likely than those who believe their workplace is uncivil (43 percent) to say they have a sense of belonging at work.

 

"Compared with employees who had not witnessed or experienced incivility in the past month, workers who had are less likely to be their authentic selves at work, less likely to believe they can share their honest thoughts without fear at work and more likely to believe they must filter much of what they say at work, the research found.

 

"Incivility can affect teamwork, collaboration and engagement while also creating a toxic environment filled with stress and animosity, wrote Blaise Immanuel Sarkar, a leadership expert based in Guelph, Ontario, in an article published on LinkedIn.

 

"He added that incivility can damage employee morale, productivity and job satisfaction.

 

“'Organizations also bear the brunt, facing challenges such as high turnover, decreased customer satisfaction, and a stifling of creativity and innovation,' Sarkar wrote. 'Recognizing the toll of incivility is essential in fostering a workplace culture that promotes respect and empathy, ensuring the well-being and success of individuals and organizations alike.'”

 

Political seasons can see this behavior rise to higher levels. SHRM’s research shows a 13 percent increase in incivility since 2022.

 

Employers can reduce workplace conflict and incivility in several ways:


  • Survey employees to identify where incivility exists.

  • Praise employees for positive performances.

  • Be alert and sensitive to employees’ feelings.

  • Encourage respectful dissent related to tasks, strategies and mission.

  • Create diverse teams where different perspectives can be heard.

  • Encourage people to manage their own conflicts.

  • Provide training to handle conflict or recommend helpful books on the subject.

 

When it comes to mentoring appropriate behaviors in the workplace, consistency is key! Attitudes reflect leadership and this time of year may bring the opportunity for more workplace feedback as we often finds ourselves evaluating employee performance as well as setting goals for the new year. Take advantage of this opportunity to focus on the culture you wish to foster with civility in mind.



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