Practical Ways HR Can Cultivate Workplace Civility

In today’s workplace, civility has become a defining characteristic of high-performing organizations. While technical skills and productivity remain essential, the ability to foster a respectful, professional, and inclusive environment increasingly differentiates successful employers from those experiencing turnover and disengagement. Civility in the workplace is vital because it can help foster positive relationships, increase job satisfaction, and contribute to improved organizational performance.

Civility is more than polite behavior. It’s about showing consistent respect, especially when tensions run high as they are in so many organizations today. It encompasses how employees communicate under pressure, respond to differing opinions, and show consideration for others’ time and contributions.

Examples of workplace incivility include:

• Interrupting or dismissing colleagues in meetings.
• Ignoring emails or messages that require acknowledgement or failing to acknowledge contributions.
• Using sarcasm or passive-aggressive tones in verbal and written communication.
• Showing visible frustration or impatience in front of others.

Unfortunately, according to the SHRM Q1 2025 Civility Index, incidents of workplace incivility are on the rise. Since the initial release of SHRM’s index at the beginning of 2024, there has been a 30% increase in reported cases of incivility. Additionally, compared to Q1 2024, reports related to incivility arising from differing political viewpoints have increased by 51%.

Research consistently links uncivil behaviors, even minor or subtle ones, to reduced collaboration, higher stress, weakened collaboration and diminished trust across teams. Over time, that affects retention and results. High employee turnover, often resulting from workplace incivility, can be costly, with replacement expenses potentially amounting to up to three times the departing employee’s salary.

Fostering a culture of civility requires intentional effort and time from both leadership and staff; however, the benefits are valuable. HR can assist organizational leaders in recognizing the significance of fostering a respectful workplace culture and understanding the potential costs associated with neglecting it. Additionally, HR can support leaders in establishing clear definitions of appropriate civil behavior.

Practical ways to foster civility include:

• Define expectations.  Incorporate civility and respectful communication into your organization’s values, code of conduct, and leadership competencies.
• Train leaders.  Equip managers to identify and address incivility early and to model calm, professional behavior during conflict or stress. When leaders demonstrate a commitment to civility, it establishes a standard for others to follow.
• Recognize and reinforce.  Publicly acknowledge employees who demonstrate empathy, patience, or constructive feedback. When employees see that civility is recognized and valued, they are more inclined to act similarly.

Workplace civility is more than a “soft skill”; it is a critical business competency. Organizations that foster a culture of respect and professionalism tend to achieve enhanced collaboration, improved decision-making, and increased employee retention. As hybrid and remote work environments continue to blur interpersonal boundaries, prioritizing a culture of civility is a strategic advantage that drives both employee well-being and organizational success.

SHRM: workplace-civility-handbook.pdf

Forbes: Workplace Civility: The Key To Improved Performance And Productivity