Addressing the Rise of Incivility in the Workplace

Incivility in the workplace is on the rise, and its impact extends far beyond momentary discomfort. Rude behavior, dismissive attitudes, and a lack of respect in professional settings can erode team morale, increase stress, and contribute to high turnover rates. As organizations grapple with an increasingly complex and fast-paced work environment, addressing workplace incivility has become a pressing concern for leaders who want to foster a healthy, productive, and engaged workforce. 

But what is driving this rise in incivility? Factors such as remote work, increased workplace stress, political polarization, and generational differences all contribute to a workplace culture where respect and professionalism are sometimes deprioritized. While occasional friction in the workplace is inevitable, unchecked incivility can quickly spiral into a toxic work environment. Leaders must take a proactive approach to recognize the warning signs, address the root causes, and create a culture of civility where employees feel safe, valued, and heard. 

The Impact of Workplace Incivility 

Workplace incivility is often dismissed as minor rudeness or occasional impatience, but its effects can be profound. The way employees treat one another significantly impacts job satisfaction, retention, and even organizational success. 

Decreased Employee Engagement and Productivity 

When employees experience incivility—whether from colleagues, managers, or clients—they are less likely to be engaged in their work. Studies show that even witnessing incivility can reduce an employee’s motivation, leading to lower productivity and decreased performance. A culture of disrespect creates an environment where employees hesitate to share ideas, contribute to discussions, or collaborate with others, fearing negative reactions. 

Higher Stress and Burnout 

Persistent incivility takes a psychological toll on employees. Workplace stress is already a significant challenge, and when employees are met with hostility or passive-aggressive behavior, their stress levels rise even further. Over time, this leads to burnout, higher absenteeism, and increased mental health concerns, all of which impact the bottom line of an organization. 

Increased Turnover and Poor Retention 

Employees who feel undervalued or disrespected are more likely to leave an organization. High turnover disrupts workflow, damages team cohesion, and increases recruitment and training costs. Cultivating a culture of civility and respect is a key strategy for retaining top talent and ensuring employees feel connected to their workplace. 

Damage to Reputation and Organizational Success 

Companies that ignore workplace incivility risk damaging their reputation. In today’s digital world, negative workplace experiences are frequently shared online, impacting employer branding and making it harder to attract skilled professionals. Beyond recruitment challenges, incivility affects customer and client relationships, as an organization’s culture often extends to how external stakeholders are treated. 

Understanding the Rise of Incivility in the Workplace 

Workplace incivility is not new, but several factors have contributed to its increasing prevalence in recent years. With the rise of remote and hybrid work arrangements, workplace communication has shifted largely to digital platforms, such as email, messaging apps, and video calls. While these tools offer convenience, they also create new challenges for maintaining professionalism and civility. Without face-to-face interactions, messages can be misinterpreted, tone can be lost, and misunderstandings can escalate quickly. Additionally, employees may feel disconnected from their colleagues, leading to reduced empathy and consideration for others. 

Economic challenges, job insecurity, and high workloads contribute to workplace stress, making employees more prone to frustration and reactive behavior. When individuals are under pressure, they may become more impatient, less considerate, and quicker to engage in unprofessional behavior. Organizations that prioritize well-being and stress management can help mitigate these tensions. 

The workplace does not exist in a vacuum—employees bring their values, beliefs, and personal experiences into the professional space. In today’s climate, political and social issues are more polarized than ever, and disagreements can spill into the workplace, leading to tension and hostility. Companies that lack clear policies on respectful discourse may find that incivility creeps into daily interactions, causing division among teams. 

The modern workplace is more generationally diverse than ever before, with Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z working together. Each generation brings its own communication preferences and expectations regarding workplace behavior. Misunderstandings and differing perspectives on professionalism, feedback, and collaboration can sometimes lead to friction. Encouraging intergenerational understanding and emphasizing shared values can bridge these gaps. 

Strategies for Addressing Workplace Incivility 

While workplace incivility may be on the rise, organizations can take deliberate steps to foster a culture of respect, inclusion, and professionalism. Leadership plays a crucial role in setting expectations and modeling appropriate behavior. 

Establish Clear Workplace Expectations 

Creating a culture of civility starts with defining what professional behavior looks like within the organization. Leaders should implement clear policies that outline expected workplace conduct, including how employees should communicate, resolve conflicts, and engage with one another. A formal code of conduct reinforces these expectations and provides a framework for addressing inappropriate behavior. 

Lead by Example 

Employees look to leadership for cues on acceptable workplace behavior. If managers or executives engage in dismissive, rude, or unprofessional behavior, it sets the tone for the entire organization. Leaders should model respect, active listening, and professionalism in all interactions. 

Foster Open Communication and Psychological Safety 

A workplace culture that values open dialogue can help prevent incivility from taking root. Leaders should encourage employees to voice concerns, share feedback, and report unprofessional behavior without fear of retaliation. Psychological safety ensures that employees feel comfortable addressing issues before they escalate into major conflicts. 

Provide Civility Training and Conflict Resolution Workshops 

Training programs that focus on emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and workplace civility can equip employees with the skills needed to navigate difficult conversations and interact professionally. Investing in leadership development that emphasizes empathy and communication helps managers address incivility effectively. 

Address Incivility When It Occurs 

Ignoring incivility only allows it to fester and grow. Leaders should take action when they witness or receive reports of unprofessional behavior. Providing constructive feedback, implementing mediation strategies, and reinforcing company values can help resolve issues before they become toxic workplace patterns. 

Encourage Team Building and Relationship Development 

When employees build strong relationships with colleagues, they are more likely to treat each other with respect and consideration. Encouraging team-building activities, cross-departmental collaboration, and informal networking opportunities can foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. 

Prioritize Employee Well-Being 

Organizations that invest in employee well-being create a healthier, more positive workplace culture. Offering mental health resources, stress management programs, and flexible work arrangements can reduce workplace tension and create a more supportive environment. 

Creating a Workplace Culture of Respect 

Workplace incivility is a growing challenge, but it is not insurmountable. Organizations that commit to proactive leadership, clear expectations, and a culture of respect can turn the tide, fostering a work environment where employees feel valued, heard, and motivated. By prioritizing civility, companies not only improve retention and engagement but also create stronger, more productive teams. 

At Loeb Leadership, we specialize in helping organizations develop leadership strategies, workplace civility programs, and conflict resolution training to build healthier, more respectful workplaces. Contact us today to learn how we can help you cultivate a culture of civility and professionalism in your organization.