What is workplace incivility? 

Ever walk away from work feeling exhausted, not because of the tasks, but because of how people treated each other? A dismissive comment, a silent snub, or a passive-aggressive email that lingers. These moments may seem small, but they slowly chip away at your energy and focus. This is workplace incivility, and it's more damaging than you think.  

The personal impact  

An uncivil workplace affects everyone. Incivility at work might cause you to have self-doubt, feel nervous before meetings, or dread social situations with particular people. 

Over time, that stress wears you down, both mentally and physically. It can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and even physical symptoms like headaches, trouble sleeping, and slower muscle recovery (2024). When your mind and body are never allowed to truly rest at work, there is no room to recharge, making it much more challenging to keep going. 

People don't quit jobs because they are overworked. They quit because they feel disrespected, undervalued, and worn down by a toxic environment. It's hard to do your best when you're always on edge, questioning whether your work makes a difference. 

The organizational impact 

Workplace incivility goes beyond personal frustration; it weakens the entire organization. When people feel undervalued, productivity declines, collaboration deteriorates, and absenteeism rises as employees seek ways to escape.  

When good people leave, it's not just about replacing them. It's the loss of experience, knowledge, and stability that keeps the team strong. A workplace without civility makes working difficult and nearly impossible to grow and succeed in. 

Creating a civil workplace 

The good news? Small, intentional changes can make a huge difference. Here's how you can create a civil workplace today: 

1. Start appreciation rituals when kicking off or wrapping up meetings by giving shout-outs to team members. It's a quick way to acknowledge and value each other.  

2. Try "walk and talk" meetings outside or in a comfortable location. Everyone benefits from relaxing, connecting more easily, and stepping away from the usual routine. 

3. Set up an anonymous feedback wall to let people anonymously share their thoughts about the workplace. Pick a comment to address each week so employees know their voices matter. 

4. Offer compassion through active listening, de-escalation techniques and responding with empathy in high-stress situations. Role-playing exercises help staff practice handling tough situations with coworkers, residents, and families so they can respond with care.  

A workplace built on respect and support makes all the difference for a team. When people treat each other with kindness and respect, work feels easier, the environment feels better, and everyone looks forward to being there. It's the kind of atmosphere that helps everyone do their best work. 

Explore our safety huddle on workplace incivility and learn about the difference between incivility and bullying in our resources. You can also check out our Q&A with Rhonda Croft on why standing up to incivility is essential, along with our Civility Matters Checklist.