Creating a Culture of Civility in the Workplace

Creating a culture of civility in the workplace is essential for fostering respect, collaboration, and overall well-being. A civil environment encourages employees to express their ideas without fear, ultimately leading to enhanced productivity and a positive organisational climate. By prioritising civility, companies can ensure that all team members feel valued and engaged.

The Impact of Incivility on Workplace Dynamics

A culture of disrespect not only impacts individual well-being but also undermines the overall effectiveness of teams. Research from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) reveals that politics is a significant driver of incivility at work, with 78% of U.S. workers experiencing poor treatment due to their political views. Alarmingly, only 8% of companies have policies to address this issue.

The consequences of incivility are staggering. According to SHRM, 161 million people work in the U.S. every day, yet over 58% of workers believe our society is uncivil. Collectively, U.S. employees experience 190 million acts of incivility per day, costing organisations about $2 billion in lost productivity and absenteeism. This underlines the urgent need for businesses to cultivate a culture of civility.

The impact of incivility extends beyond immediate disruptions; it can lead to a deterioration in team cohesion and a decline in overall morale. When employees feel disrespected, they are less likely to contribute their best ideas and may withdraw from collaborative efforts, leading to a stagnation of progress and creativity in the workplace.

Importance of Practising Civil Behaviour

Practising civil behaviour establishes a safe and empathetic environment where individuals can contribute their best ideas, knowing they will be heard and valued.

Civility goes beyond simply making others feel comfortable; it is about creating a dynamic, diverse, and productive workplace where everyone can thrive. In a civil environment, employees are more likely to engage in constructive dialogue, collaborate effectively, and support one another.

This not only enhances individual morale but also leads to improved team cohesion and organisational success. To create this culture, organisations must promote respect and civility in everyday interactions and implement specific strategies for example:

1. Modelling Positive Behaviour

As leaders and colleagues, we set the tone for workplace interactions. Demonstrating respect in our daily communications encourages others to follow suit. Leaders who model positive behaviour not only inspire their teams but also create an environment where civility is the norm.

In practical terms, this means actively listening to team members, acknowledging their contributions, and providing constructive feedback. Leaders should strive to embody the values they wish to instil in their teams, as their behaviour sets the standard for others.

Additionally, organisations can highlight stories of positive behaviour within their teams, showcasing examples of civility and respect in action. This not only reinforces the importance of these values but also encourages employees to share their experiences, creating a culture of recognition and support.

A report by O.C. Tanner emphasises that 74% of employees believe that when they feel valued, they are more likely to contribute to a positive work culture . Thus, positive behaviour not only enhances individual satisfaction but contributes significantly to a culture of civility.

2. Encourage Open Communication

Open communication is crucial for fostering a civil workplace. When employees feel safe to voice their opinions and concerns, misunderstandings and conflicts are less likely to escalate.

Encouraging a culture of transparency and honesty allows for healthy discussions and ensures that everyone feels included in the decision-making process.

To promote open communication, organisations can implement regular feedback mechanisms, such as surveys or check-ins, that allow employees to express their thoughts and feelings about workplace dynamics. Additionally, creating safe spaces for discussions—such as forums or focus groups—can help employees share their perspectives without fear of retribution.

Training sessions focused on effective communication techniques can also empower employees to engage in difficult conversations respectfully and constructively. And speaking of training…

3. Provide Training on Civility

Offering workshops and resources that emphasise the importance of respectful interactions is vital for cultivating a civil workplace. Training can equip employees with the skills to navigate difficult conversations and foster a culture of support.

Workshops should cover topics such as conflict resolution, empathy in communication, and recognising signs of incivility. Interactive sessions that incorporate role-playing or drama-based methodologies can be particularly effective, as they allow participants to practise skills in real-time and learn from one another’s experiences.

At Steps Drama, we specialise in using drama-based learning to engage employees in crucial conversations about civility and respect. Our programmes empower participants to explore their own behaviours and develop strategies for creating a more positive workplace culture.

4. Recognise and Reward Civil Behaviour

Recognition plays a crucial role in reinforcing a culture of civility.

Celebrating instances of positive behaviour and respectful interactions within teams sends a powerful message about the values an organisation holds dear. When employees are acknowledged for their contributions to a civil workplace, they are more likely to continue exhibiting those behaviours.

Organisations can implement formal recognition programmes or simply encourage peer-to-peer acknowledgments during meetings or company events. Sharing stories of civil behaviour in internal newsletters or communications can further highlight the importance of civility and inspire others to follow suit.

5. Promote Inclusivity

Civility and inclusivity are two sides of the same coin; when one flourishes, so does the other. Emphasising inclusivity and diversity naturally supports a civil workplace. When everyone feels valued and included, the likelihood of disrespectful behaviour diminishes.

To promote inclusivity, organisations should actively work to create diverse teams and foster an environment where all voices are heard. This can involve revising hiring practices, providing diversity and inclusion training, and implementing policies that support underrepresented groups.

Moreover, creating employee resource groups (ERGs) can empower individuals to connect and share their experiences, fostering a sense of community and support within the organisation.

The Benefits of a Civil Workplace Culture

What are the tangible advantages to a civil workplace culture that allow business leaders to understand the importance and therefore increase buy-in for civility initiatives?

According to recent SHRM studies, some of the benefits of promoting workplace civility include:

• Improved Job Satisfaction: Employees who perceive their work environment as uncivil are three times more likely to report dissatisfaction with their jobs and twice as likely to contemplate leaving within the next year. Cultivating civility directly correlates with higher employee retention rates and satisfaction.

• Enhanced Productivity: Each instance of incivility can lead to an average loss of 31 minutes in productivity. When these incidents accumulate, they can substantially affect overall performance and efficiency.

• Significant Cost Savings: The cumulative impact of decreased productivity and increased absenteeism due to incivility results in financial losses exceeding $2 billion for U.S. businesses daily. Addressing incivility can lead to considerable cost reductions for organisations.

• Fostering a Sense of Belonging: A substantial 76% of employees who view their workplace as civil report feeling a strong sense of belonging, whereas only 43% of those who perceive their environment as uncivil express the same sentiment. A culture of civility enhances engagement and loyalty among employees.

Conclusion

Creating a culture of civility in the workplace is not just a nice-to-have; it is essential for fostering a positive, productive environment where everyone can thrive.

By modelling positive behaviour, encouraging open communication, providing training on civility, recognising civil interactions, and promoting inclusivity, organisations can cultivate a culture that prioritises respect and collaboration.

As we move towards a more civil workplace, let us remember that the responsibility lies with each one of us. Together, we can create a culture that nurtures respect and allows everyone to contribute their best selves. By committing to these principles and practices, we can collectively address the challenges posed by incivility and build workplaces where everyone feels respected, engaged, and empowered to excel.

For further insights on fostering civility in the workplace, consider contacting us.