As I was writing my upcoming book, Navigating a Toxic Workplace For Dummies (Wiley), I was reminded about all the research on workplace bullying that indicates HR gets the blame for bullying, HR is not helpful, and, in fact, according to the research, most often makes things much worse for people who complain of bullying. I have always taken issue with this research because that’s just not been my experience.…
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. A good time to reflect on how work environments either support or sabotage employee well-being. Burnout is on the rise and employers’ role in addressing burnout has never been more important. If you’ve ever worked in a toxic culture, you know firsthand how it can chip away at your mental health. As an employer or leader, you play a critical role in creating a…
I’m just going to jump right in here and say that training alone won’t fix toxic behavior or turn around your toxic workplace. If it could, we’d all be ordering workshops like takeout. When positive workplace training topics are done right as part of a broader and more intentional culture strategy, however, it can be a catalyst. Training offers tools, vernacular, confidence, connections, and the opportunity to shift old patterns.…
May 1st is International Workers’ Day. Hooray! I don’t know about you, but I am so thankful and grateful for my overseas team members. They are the wheels that keep this company moving forward! Now that that’s out of my system, let’s talk about you. Whether you have remote international workers, or local workers who are remote or hybrid, this flexible work option can create some problems for your culture…
Earlier this year, I wrote a blog titled “DEI needed if hiring on merit is your goal” in response to Trump’s vow to “create a society that is blind to color and based on merit”. Based on the response I received, it quickly became clear that Trump isn’t the only one who thinks diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is affirmative action. Somewhere along the way diversity became a dirty word.…
Use AI to build civility. SHRM reports that 66% of U.S. employees have experienced or witnessed incivility at work. And those moments of disrespect don’t stay isolated. They ripple. Research from Christine Porath at Georgetown University shows that incivility is contagious, dragging down performance, stifling creativity, and eroding collaboration. Meanwhile, HR teams are stretched thinner than ever. Gartner’s 2024 HR Priorities survey discusses the expanding scope of HR work and…
According to SHRM, 66% of U.S. employees have experienced or witnessed incivility in their workplace. The most common forms include addressing others disrespectfully and interrupting others while they are speaking. Meanwhile, a Deloitte survey reveals that 84% of respondents prioritize improving their well-being, with 74% considering it more important than advancing their career. This underscores the growing emphasis employees place on workplace well-being and respect. Let that sink in: Respect…
A few years back, we put together a playlist for inclusivity to play in the office and it quickly became one of our most popular blogs, proving that something as simple as music can strike a big chord (pun intended) as people find solidarity in it. So we thought, why not do it again? April is Diversity Month, and while the calendars are packed with initiatives, trainings, and panel discussions,…
Imagine this: A senior leader makes an offhanded, inappropriate remark in a team meeting. The room tenses, eyes drop, and a few uncomfortable chuckles fill the silence. No one speaks up. You’re caught off guard, unsure what to do. Later, someone from that meeting comes to you. Frustrated, upset. “Why didn’t anyone say anything? Why does this keep happening?” You’ve heard it before. Employees see the problem, but they don’t…
Whenever you search on Google or ask ChatGPT for something, you get an answer in a snap. An unintended result of this technology is that we expect immediate feedback from people, too. A lack of feedback kills productivity. In 2008, tech scholar Nicholas Carr raised a provocative question in a cover story for The Atlantic: “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” He argued that the ease of online searching and the…
If you’ve landed on this page, chances are you’re looking for answers. Maybe you’ve tried everything, or maybe you’re bracing yourself for a conversation you’d rather not have. Or you don’t know how to give feedback to a toxic worker about their behavior. Either way, we see you. Dealing with toxic workers isn’t just frustrating. It’s draining. We all love to talk about nurturing top performers, creating positive work environments,…
If you’ve ever questioned whether your workplace is truly toxic or if you’re just “overreacting,” you’re not alone. The truth is, if work feels unbearable day after day, it’s not a bad week—it’s a bigger problem and can be signs you’re in a toxic workplace. Research confirms that toxic workplaces aren’t just unpleasant; they take a measurable toll on employees and businesses alike. According to the MIT Sloan Management Review,…
Did you know that seven in ten U.S. workers say they would leave a job if they had a bad manager? That’s according to the latest findings of LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence survey. Leaders who exhibit challenging behaviors don’t just cost their organizations talented employees, they also impact the bottom line and discourage future leaders from stepping into management roles. Working under a leader whose behavior is perceived as toxic feels…
Does your workplace feel like a daily battle for survival? Endless conflict, backstabbing, bullying, and leadership that turns a blind eye… Sound familiar? For too many professionals, the workplace isn’t a place of productivity and growth; it’s a source of anxiety and stress. Toxic behaviors, dysfunctional cultures, and unchecked hostility push employees to their breaking point, driving disengagement and high turnover. Ignoring toxic behavior is simply too costly, and no…
Trump has initiated a series of actions aimed at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the federal government. On January 20, he signed Executive Order 14151, titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing,” directing the Office of Management and Budget to terminate all DEI-related mandates and programs across federal agencies. The following day, he issued Executive Order 14173, “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity,”…
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the workplace, and HR functions are no exception. From recruitment to onboarding and even manager training, AI-based platforms are becoming the go-to solution for many organizations. These programs promise scalable, customizable courses with instant feedback and on-demand accessibility, an enticing prospect for companies seeking efficiency. But when it comes to developing effective managers, the stakes are too high for a one-size-fits-all approach. According to Gallup,…
When you’ve discovered a valuable resource or service that could benefit your organization, getting buy-in from leadership is critical. Use this email template to propose Civility Partners’ services to your boss. Simply customize the placeholders with your own insights and ideas. Email Template Dear [Boss’s Name], Recently, I participated in a webinar hosted by Civility Partners, titled _______________. During the session, I gained valuable insights, including insert profound nugget(s)…
SHRM’s Civility Index Research shows that U.S. workers collectively experience 223 million acts of incivility per day and U.S. organizations collectively lose about $2 billion per day in reduced productivity and absenteeism because of it. You’ve probably seen it firsthand: disagreements turn personal, tempers flare, and teams fracture. When a tense moment happens, you’re often brought in as the referee. You’re handed complaints that aren’t fully formed—“They’re difficult to work…
Next week marks the presidential inauguration, a time that often stirs strong emotions in the workplace. Excitement, disappointment, frustration, or even anxiety can find their way into daily interactions. Employees may consciously or unconsciously bring their political wins or losses into the office, and if left unchecked, these emotions can ripple through your organization, disrupting teamwork, productivity, and morale. According to SHRM’s Civility Index, 44% of U.S. workers believe the…
Happy New Year! Now that we’re all back to the grind, let’s talk about January’s reputation as the least productive month of the year. The post-holiday slump is real – teams return to work with noticeably less pep in their step. This time of year can feel like you’re trying to light a fire with damp wood. You’ve just wrapped up holiday celebrations, year-end reviews, and goal-setting for the new…
When SHRM launched their #CivilityAtWork initiative, it felt like a rallying cry for everything we believe in and have been fighting for these last 15 years. Respectful, thriving workplaces are the dream we all share, but let’s be real—getting there isn’t always easy. In fact, 70% of leaders admit they don’t know where to start. At Civility Partners, we’ve had the absolute joy of partnering with HR leaders who dared…
Culture can make or break a workplace. If that sounds dramatic, but consider this: 94% of executives and 88% of employees believe a strong workplace culture is critical to business success, yet 69% of employees say their organizations lack a culture where feedback is valued and encouraged. The gap between what’s desired and what’s delivered is glaring—and you’re often caught in the crossfire. You’ve felt the tension of juggling employee…
The holiday season may be billed as the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s often a minefield of conflicts waiting to happen. Holidays are deeply personal, sparking joy and nostalgia for some while leaving others feeling excluded or stressed. With 44% of Millennials and nearly 50% of Gen Z employees identifying as part of underrepresented groups—and these two generations now making up over 50% of the workforce –…
Elections are more than debates and opinions—they’re emotional whirlwinds that don’t end when the polls close. This year, presidential election stress is breaking records, with reported levels higher than in both 2020 and 2016. And the fallout lingers. A University of Nevada study found that moderate to severe anxiety and depression can persist for up to three months after an election. And, it’s the holidays. Trust & Will found that…
According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, nearly 70% of Americans view political discourse as a significant source of stress, and workplaces are no exception. In fact, SHRM reports that political and social tensions have driven workplace incivility to an all-time high this year. No wonder, the ripple effects of political divisiveness can mean conflicts, disengagement, and heightened stress levels—creating a chaotic environment that’s difficult to manage. Amid…
Do these comments resonate with you? Owners don’t understand that we’re not just paperwork. HR is a punching bag expected to resolve everyone’s mess. There’s no HR budget, no support, and a team of 2 for 300+ employees. Even after a workforce survey, leadership still won’t listen to me! It’s been 15 years of delivering webinars to an HR audience totalling hundreds of thousands of people. And I hear…
You already know that a strong culture leads to engaged employees, lower turnover, and a healthier bottom line, but convincing leadership? That’s a different story. It’s exhausting pushing for changes that are dismissed as “soft skills” or shot down because they don’t offer an immediate ROI. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. In fact, most attendees at our recent webinar, Getting Leadership to Listen to HR, showed up for one reason:…
Picture this: you’re actively working to foster a positive workplace culture, but managers and leaders are adopting a ‘hands-off’ approach. At first, it seems harmless, even convenient—but beneath the surface, it’s quietly wreaking havoc. Top talent? They’re slipping away unnoticed. And while you’re busy chasing other priorities, the very core of your organization is weakening—dragging down morale, productivity, and ultimately, organizational success. A recent SHRM Culture Report reveals that three…
Election season tends to bring division and tension, and it’s hard to avoid. Even if you’ve reminded your team to steer clear of political conversations at work, it’s likely that the topic will still pop up here and there. The truth is, having employees with different views isn’t the problem. What makes things tricky is that both employees and leaders often struggle with how to discuss political or social issues…
Did you know that the World Health Organization (WHO) classified burnout as an occupational phenomenon? In other words, while leaders and HR tend to classify burnout as a personal failing, as evidenced in the way they tackle it with offerings of gym memberships and extended PTO, WHO says it’s a result of chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been successfully managed. WHO begs the question, who is supposed to manage chronic…
In the past, recruiting was often a “spray and pray” approach—posting job openings everywhere and hoping the right candidate would find their way to us, even faxing over their resumes. Thankfully, recruiting today is far more strategic, thanks to the internet and advances in technology. To truly evaluate the success of your hiring efforts, you need to track key recruitment metrics. Let’s explore some of the most important ones. …
According to Forbes, one in five workers is working remotely and 98% of workers want to work remotely at least some of the time. Yet, despite the flexibility that hybrid and remote work offer, engagement is a major challenge. In fact, the 2023 State of Remote Work report by Buffer found that 27% of remote workers struggle with loneliness, and 16% have difficulty staying motivated. That’s a stark reminder that…
Having an employee orientation program is a great start. It usually involves getting paperwork signed, introducing new hires around the office, and providing some initial training. But are you truly onboarding your employees? Effective onboarding is more than just a warm welcome—it’s about integrating new hires into your company’s culture and ensuring they become productive quickly. Here’s how you can measure and improve your onboarding effectiveness. Why Onboarding Matters…
Workplace culture is an uphill battle when the budget is tight or, worse, nonexistent. You’re expected to create a thriving, engaged workforce, but the reality is harsh: Gallup reports that only 32% of U.S. employees are engaged at work. Meanwhile, disengaged employees are costing companies a staggering $450 to $550 billion each year in lost productivity, absenteeism, and turnover. The pressure is intense. The stakes are high. But here’s the…
This last Labor Day should have been a day of rest—a chance for employees to recharge and reflect on the contributions they’ve made to their organizations. But for many workers, the reality was likely far from relaxing. A 2023 Gallup survey shows that only 32% of U.S. employees feel engaged at work, and burnout is hitting record levels. The American Institute of Stress also reports that 83% of workers deal…
HR professionals often find themselves fighting an uphill battle to create a positive and safe workplace. Not to rub it in, but we thought we’d share a case study of what could be when the opposite occurs. Read on and see what happens when leadership listens to HR, as Rainbow Municipal Water District (RMWD) is a shining example of how HR can have a significant impact on workplace culture transformation…
Remote work is here to stay and has completely changed how we do our jobs. While offering the flexibility and convenience that many employees love, it also brings its challenges. One of the biggest could be employee disengagement. Since this is a hot topic online, we thought we’d dive into it. Gallup’s 2024 research report states that fully remote workers are more lonely than those fully on-site (25% versus 16%,…
You read our blog every week because you care about an inclusive work environment for all individuals at all levels. Either you consult in a similar space, or want to have an impact on your own workplace. For the past 15 years, Civility Partners has been on a mission to transform workplaces into environments where positivity and respect flourish. To that end, our dedicated team of facilitators, coaches, and consultants…
Consider that abrasive leaders, or workplace bullies, engage in aggressive behavior mainly because they’ve been allowed to by their own boss, even encouraged to through promotions, accolades and increased pay. Their high value to the organization (e.g., sales, organizational knowledge, professional network) means leadership works around them or ignores their behavior for fear that addressing it may end poorly. That is, leadership is worried the leader will retaliate with even…
Research everywhere speaks volumes. It consistently highlights a significant shift: People care more about workplace culture than their salaries. So, why aren’t more companies prioritizing workplace culture? The Disconnect: Why Culture Gets Overlooked Here are some common reasons: Many leaders prioritize immediate financial gains over long-term cultural investments, forgetting that a healthy culture drives sustainable success. Some leaders just don’t see how deeply culture affects employee engagement and productivity.…