The Rise of Workplace Incivility
Workplace incivility might seem like a minor issue, but it has serious effects on people and organisations
In recent years, more people have noticed a rise in workplace incivility. This refers not just to more extreme forms of aggression, but what appears on the surface to be milder forms of disrespect. This can include interrupting someone during a meeting, ignoring a colleague’s email, or making sarcastic comments. While these actions may seem small, they can create big problems for both employees and organisations.
SHRM suggests in their New Civility Index Research shows that 76% of workers have experienced workplace incivility and 45% of U.S. workers believe it will worsen in 2025. 25% of workers say they will leave their jobs because of it.
Reasons for workplace incivility
There are many reasons why incivility has increased. One reason is stress. Employees today are often under pressure to meet tight deadlines, handle large workloads, or navigate job insecurity. When people are stressed, they may act out or lose patience, even if they don’t mean to.
Another factor is the rise of remote work and digital communication. While emails, chats, and virtual meetings make it easier to stay connected, they also make it easier to miscommunicate. A short or poorly worded message can come across as rude, even if the sender didn’t intend it that way. Plus, people might feel less accountable for their behaviour when not interacting face-to-face.
Cultural shifts also play a role. In some workplaces, competition is highly encouraged. While competition can motivate people, it can also create an environment where individuals prioritise personal success over teamwork. This can lead to disrespectful behaviours like interrupting others or taking credit for their ideas.
If this incivility is intentional then the situation morphs into bullying and even harassment which is infinitely more serious.
Worth a read: How to respond to DARVO Tactics – 3 Plus International
The impact of workplace incivility
Workplace incivility isn’t just unpleasant, it has real consequences. A lack of psychosocial safety for employees, who are being treated rudely can lower morale, reduce motivation, and increase stress. It can also affect health, leading to headaches, insomnia, or even burnout. Severe ongoing cases of incivility can shift into bullying and harassment causing workplace trauma. Over time, workers who feel disrespected may leave their jobs, increasing turnover rates.
For organisations, the costs are also significant. A negative work environment can hurt productivity, as employees may spend time worrying about conflicts instead of focusing on their tasks. Teams may struggle to collaborate if trust and respect are lacking. In extreme cases, incivility can damage a company’s reputation, making it harder to attract talent or keep clients.
Leadership options
Fortunately, there are ways to address workplace incivility. Leadership plays a key role. Managers and supervisors should model respectful behaviour and address rude actions quickly. Ignoring the problem can send the message that incivility is acceptable.
Clear communication and psychological safety is also important. Employees should feel comfortable speaking up about issues without fear of retaliation. Regular training sessions can teach teams about respectful communication and how to handle conflicts constructively.
On an individual level, practising empathy can make a big difference. Taking a moment to consider someone else’s perspective can help reduce misunderstandings and foster kindness. Simple actions like saying “thank you,” listening without interrupting, or acknowledging someone’s contributions can go a long way.
The real issue is when leaders are part of the problem and are themselves rude, demeaning, bullying and aggressive. No names are required, I think. The result of poor leadership behaviours results in significant spikes of incivility even on professional social media platforms such as LinkedIn from acolytes of these leaders. The levels of stress that people are experiencing are palpable.
Today alone, in one of my posts on LinkedIn, I have been called “arrogant” and told to “get over myself” and “swim in my own lane.” I am sure you can guess the profile of this stereotype. There have also been some mini-conflicts within this thread, but amounting to over 40 disagreeable comments some getting increasingly unpleasant.
Not to be underestimated
Workplace incivility might seem like a minor issue, but it has serious effects on people and organisations. By fostering a culture of respect and understanding, workplaces can create environments where everyone feels valued and supported. A little respect can go a long way in making work better for everyone.
Experiencing bullying and harassment in your organisation? Get in touch.
