Workplace Incivility

Businesses are constantly striving for innovation, collaboration, and high performance. However, one often overlooked issue is workplace incivility, which can have a measurable and damaging effect on team dynamics, particularly when it comes to contributions. A recent study published in the Harvard Business Review found that incivility in the workplace doesn’t just cause discomfort—it actively silences team members, especially women, and undermines collaboration.

The Impact of Incivility on Team Contributions

When employees experience incivility—whether it’s dismissive comments, exclusion, or undermining behaviour—it can lead to significant disengagement. The study revealed that individuals who experience uncivil behaviour are 66% less likely to contribute ideas or speak up in meetings. This silence doesn’t just affect the individual; it hampers the entire team’s ability to innovate, problem-solve, and make effective decisions.

The consequences are especially profound for women, with the research showing that women are significantly more likely to remain silent when they face disrespect in the workplace. The lack of their input diminishes the team’s creativity and ultimately affects business outcomes.

Why Incivility Matters for Employee Engagement

It’s not just the immediate team dynamics that are impacted by incivility—employee engagement is deeply affected. In a climate of disrespect, employees are far less likely to feel motivated, emotionally invested, or willing to put in extra effort. According to a report from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), over 50% of employees in hostile work environments reported feeling disengaged and less likely to put their best foot forward at work. This disengagement directly translates into a reduction in performance and a lack of meaningful contributions.

How Leaders Can Mitigate Incivility and Promote a Positive Workplace

As leaders, the responsibility to cultivate a respectful and open environment rests with you. Here are a few strategies that can help ensure that incivility doesn’t undermine your team’s productivity:

1. Establish Clear Expectations: Make it clear from the top down what behaviours are acceptable in the workplace. Establish a zero-tolerance policy for incivility and ensure that employees understand that speaking up against disrespect is encouraged and protected.
2. Invest in Training: Provide training for all levels of staff, particularly leadership, on communication, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence. When leaders are equipped with the skills to address incivility, they set the tone for the rest of the team.
3. Create Safe Feedback Channels: Ensure employees have multiple, confidential ways to report any instances of incivility. Anonymity can often help employees feel more secure in expressing concerns without fear of retaliation.
4. Encourage Diverse Voices: Actively promote an inclusive environment by encouraging all employees to share their ideas, particularly those from underrepresented groups. Everyone should feel that their voice matters and contributes to the team’s success.
5. Lead by Example: As a leader, your actions speak louder than words. Demonstrating respect, active listening, and empathy sets the standard for the rest of your team. Lead by example and create an environment where civility is the norm, not the exception.

Examples of Leading Luxury and Consumer Brands Championing Civility

Several UK-based luxury and consumer brands are leading the way in creating respectful, inclusive, and civil workplaces that encourage team contributions and innovation.

• Burberry: With a focus on respect and inclusivity, Burberry has developed leadership programs and employee resource groups that ensure open dialogue and a culture of civility. Their clear policies against incivility create an environment where all employees, regardless of background, feel respected and empowered to contribute.
• Rolls-Royce: Known for its innovation and engineering excellence, Rolls-Royce places significant emphasis on building a positive work environment where employees are treated with respect. Their global employee engagement programme ensures that teams across regions can collaborate effectively and respectfully, ensuring that every voice is heard.
• Marks & Spencer: A brand that takes its commitment to civility seriously, M&S has created a work culture that supports openness and encourages diverse voices. Their leadership development initiatives ensure that all team members feel heard and valued, enabling greater collaboration and more contributions from all employees.

These companies demonstrate that a culture of respect doesn’t just improve employee morale—it directly contributes to business success. When employees feel valued, they are more likely to be engaged, share innovative ideas, and contribute to the overall goals of the business.

How We Can Help: Hiring Strategies to Promote Civil Leadership

As part of our hiring strategies, we actively partner with businesses to place exceptional leaders who understand the importance of promoting civility and respect in the workplace. By sourcing leadership teams with a proven track record in fostering inclusive, open environments, we help ensure that companies are well-equipped to tackle workplace challenges like incivility head-on.

We also help identify candidates who are strong advocates of employee engagement, culture-building, and leading by example. Our focus is on recruiting leaders who not only possess the necessary technical expertise but also have the interpersonal skills to create a positive and productive work environment.

Promoting a Strong Workplace Culture: Why It’s Essential for Talent Attraction and Retention

As competition for top talent intensifies, especially in the luxury and consumer sectors, creating a positive and civil workplace culture is no longer optional—it’s essential. Companies that prioritise respect and inclusivity are more likely to attract top talent, retain employees, and foster an environment where innovation can thrive.

Leaders who embrace these values ensure they’re not just hiring the best people—they’re also nurturing a culture that allows those people to grow, contribute, and make a lasting impact.