The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is encouraging organizations to prioritize civility as a cornerstone of inclusive workplace cultures. With over 190 million acts of incivility reported daily in U.S. workplaces, SHRM warns that these behaviors, from terse emails to physical violence, are costing businesses up to $1.2 billion in lost productivity.
Launched earlier this year, SHRM’s 1 Million Civil Conversations Initiative aims to promote respectful dialogues across all organizational levels. Jim Link, SHRM’s Chief Human Resources Officer, stresses that “civility is in the eye of the beholder,” often making it a complex issue for HR leaders to address.
Politics, Perception, and Workplace Norms
SHRM’s Civility Index reveals that political, social, and racial differences significantly fuel workplace incivility. Interestingly, while 80% of workers feel politics impacts their treatment at work, only 30% report incidents of uncivil behavior. Link emphasizes that organizations must set clear boundaries to ensure political discussions do not disrupt workplace harmony.
“Civility acts as a catalyst for inclusion,” Link explained during SHRM’s Inclusion 2024 conference. “It’s about creating workplace norms that promote respect without forcing individuals to accept discriminatory behavior.”
Addressing Misplaced Perceptions
While SHRM’s campaign encourages mutual respect, some critics argue it shifts the burden onto marginalized employees. Link counters that civility campaigns should not compel victims to compromise but instead focus on establishing clear, equitable standards for behavior.
SHRM’s efforts are underpinned by a broader message: inclusivity and civility go hand in hand. Through initiatives like workplace advertising campaigns and partnerships, the organization is reframing civility as essential for fostering diversity and belonging.
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