Published on: Jan 1, 2025
Workplace civility isn't just about being polite—it’s a foundational element that impacts productivity, employee morale, and company culture. When tensions rise, subtle instances of incivility can snowball into toxic environments, leading to turnover, stress, and even reputational damage.
But the good news? Preventing workplace incivility doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your policies or culture. It starts with small, intentional actions that encourage respect and professionalism.
Based on insights from dfwHR staffing professionals, here are five practical strategies to keep calm, professional, and harmonious at work.
Why Civility in the Workplace Matters
Before we get into the solutions, it's important to understand why civility matters. A study conducted by Georgetown University revealed that incivility at work can decrease employee performance by an average of 25% and creativity by nearly 50%. More alarming, 12% of employees leave their jobs as a direct result of workplace rudeness.
Clearly, fostering a respectful work environment isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a business imperative.
1. Model Respectful Behavior
Leadership Sets the Tone
It starts at the top. Managers and HR professionals are culture carriers, meaning their actions strongly influence team behavior. A simple "thank you," calm tone during high-pressure situations, and regularly acknowledging team contributions can set the precedence for what respect looks like.
Proactive Tip: Encourage self-awareness exercises among leaders to identify potential triggers or blind spots that might unintentionally come off as dismissive or rude. Remember, employees mimic what they see.
2. Promote Open Communication
Encourage Feedback Without Fear
A lack of communication—or worse, employees fearing to speak up—can breed resentment. Create open channels where employees feel comfortable expressing concerns and suggestions without fear of backlash.
How to Do This
- Anonymous Feedback Tools: Tools like Officevibe or TinyPulse make it easy for employees to provide feedback.
- Regular Check-ins: One-on-one meetings build strong relationships and offer a space for honest discussions.
- Active Listening: Managers and employees should focus on truly hearing and understanding each other, rather than preparing rebuttals.
3. Address Incidents Swiftly and Fairly
Don’t Turn a Blind Eye
When incivility arises, ignoring it can exacerbate the problem. Whether it’s subtle passive-aggressiveness or outright rudeness, HR professionals and managers must act quickly to address the situation.
Steps to Take
- Gather Information: Speak to all parties involved before jumping to conclusions.
- Have a Private Conversation: A one-on-one talk with the individual(s) demonstrating uncivil behavior can help identify the root cause.
- Set Expectations: Provide clear examples of unacceptable behavior and highlight the consequences.
4. Build Emotional Intelligence (EI) Across Teams
The Case for Emotional Intelligence
EI refers to the ability to understand and manage your emotions while empathizing with others. High EI helps employees avoid reacting impulsively and instead fosters collaboration and teamwork.
How to Foster EI Growth
- Training Sessions: Invest in workshops focused on emotional regulation and conflict-resolution strategies.
- Mindfulness Practices: Encourage techniques like journaling or mindfulness apps to help employees process emotions productively.
- Team Activities: Host group exercises (like role-playing scenarios) to practice empathy in real-life situations.
5. Create a Culture of Gratitude
Why Gratitude?
Gratitude changes the focus from “what went wrong” to “what’s going well.” Over time, this positivity can diminish negativity and promote a more cohesive work culture.
How to Do This
- Peer Recognition Programs: Create a system where employees can publicly acknowledge each other's contributions.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Regularly recognize achievements, no matter how minor.
- Gratitude Challenges: Encourage team members to express appreciation by sharing one thing they’re thankful for each week.
Category(ies): Blog