Managing Workplace Civility
An article by Nicole Croddick, Esq.
Greeting people in the hallway at work; smiling at colleagues; genuine consideration of a colleague’s point of view; being present (and not on a device) during a meeting; effectively communicating at work; respecting a colleague’s time…
These may sound like simple and common actions in your place of work. That said, these acts of civility are not as common as you may think in all workplaces!
Simply put, workplace civility involves treating others equally and with dignity and respect. Appreciating, considering and valuing other’s ideas, thoughts and contributions, and refraining from any behavior that may be perceived as rude, harassing, isolating, unprofessional, discourteous, illegal, aggressive, or disrespectful.
Workplace Civility refers to the respectful, appropriate, and courteous behavior exhibited amongst colleagues at work.
Now at the close of 2024 (almost 2025), we need NOT dwell exclusively on standards set forth in policy and laws; finding the “line” of illegality; and how NOT to act at work, but rather it is prudent for organizations, managers, and employees to focus on how to listen and what to do and say in the workplace in an effort to cultivate a civil, productive, courteous and ethics-centric workplace.
Organizations should endeavor to promote behaviors, values, attitudes, communications, values, and actions that are rooted in ethics, respect, professionalism, fairness, equity, inclusion and dignity. This is critical because an organization’s culture is shaped by the lowest level of acceptable behavior. Each member of the organization contributes to that culture, and it starts at the top!
The subject of workplace civility evolves as laws, regulations, and societal and organizational standards and values change. In the end, if civility at work is practiced by all, the workplace will likely be not only compliant with policies and laws, but will be a successful, inclusive, positive, safe, respectful, and productive workplace for all.
Why do we care about lack of civility at work?
Lack of civility leads to violations of policy and law, as this type of behavior is often the root of harassment, discrimination, bullying and the like. More importantly, the civil workplace is more successful on many levels. The civil workplace values ethical conduct; promotes productive and courteous listening and communication; has engaged and satisfied employees; nips conflict in the bud; is cost effective and safe; values ethics; promotes diversity, equity and inclusion; is subject to lower legal risk; and is more productive.
Some best practices to promote civility at your organization include:
- Identify core values and live them out;
- Create policies that promote, and even define, civility;
- Model desired behavior;
- Get “buy in” from the top;
- Effectuate diversity, equity and inclusion;
- Communicate appropriately;
- Manage conflict early on;
- Treat others with courtesy, dignity and respect;
- Take note of your para verbal skills (tone / pitch / body language);
- Be an active listener;
- Consider and value other’s opinions and thoughts;
- Set expectations;
- Provide civility training;
- and treat others the way you would like to be treated.
Many of these behaviors we learned in kindergarten, but we do need a “refresher” as adults. Let’s make the civil workplace the norm, NOT the exception.
To learn more about how you can make your workplace a ‘more civil’ environment and what might be acceptable behavior, contact attorney Nicole Croddick of the law firm of Davison Eastman Munoz Paone, P.A. today at 732.462.7170 or [email protected].
