Civility Partners

In California, the upcoming minimum wage boost for fast food workers to $20 starting April 1st has ignited discussions about its potential influence on worker productivity.  Currently, the median hourly wage for fast-food workers in the U.S. is $13.43, while in California, it stands at an average of $16.60 per hour. Examining the connection between minimum wage hikes and productivity reveals a nuanced picture.    Wage Increase and Productivity Research…

Last week marked the celebration of Employee Appreciation Day! During this special time, many companies express their gratitude to their workforce, and one common way they do it is by giving out rewards.  Reward systems are a crucial aspect of employee motivation and engagement in any organization. However, when implemented incorrectly, they can lead not only to a lack of improvement in employee performance but can also actively demotivate and…

The turn of the year often marks a time for personal resolutions, but what about resolutions for the workplace? According to Gallup, employee engagement in the U.S. saw its first annual decline in a decade — dropping from 36% of engaged employees in 2020 to 34% in 2021. How might a new culture shift impact this statistic? Well, take a moment to assess your current organizational culture. How would you…

Sports have a unique ability to inspire, unite, and elevate individuals and communities. I am one of them. It’s not just something fun to watch; it inspires me beyond the competition. It’s not only a game; it’s like a language that touches my heart. Sports are where dreams come alive, like a canvas waiting for stories, and a stage where heroes rise.  It all started when I was five. I…

In the age of globalization, organizations are evolving into hubs of diversity, uniting individuals with varied cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, and perspectives. The process of diverse talents and experiences can lead to innovation and enhanced problem-solving capabilities. However, to harness the full potential of this diversity, organizations must prioritize effective intercultural communication. What is Intercultural Communication? Intercultural communication is the exchange of information and ideas between individuals hailing from diverse cultural…

In the workplace, dealing with an angry boss is not uncommon. They might get upset for a moment or be consistently frustrated. It can be tough to handle, but if you figure out why it’s happening and find good ways to deal with it, you can make the work situation better. It’s like sailing through rough waters at work when your boss is upset. Maybe they’re stressed or always seem…

Last Monday, November 13th was World Kindness Day. As an organization that is focused on building positive and healthy work environments, being kind doesn’t just make us feel warm and fuzzy; it actually helps us achieve awesome results, especially as we’re growing. Think about it: a simple “thank you,” “please,” or “you’re welcome” creates a big impact in communication. And guess what? Science backs this up! Being kind isn’t just…

Every successful team depends on its members to contribute effectively and work together cohesively. As a manager or team leader, it is important to make sure that your team is working effectively and efficiently. Every team should have people who do their job that lives up to the company’s standards of quality work. However, no team is perfect. There are some instances where team members may be underperforming for whatever…

Right after I wrapped up my university degree, I was super excited to dive into my career. But let me tell you, it was no walk in the park trying to land my very first job. Finding a job, especially in my hometown, was a real challenge. After a whole lot of searching, I finally scored a full time job at an optical clinic. I worked really hard and did…

Did you know that every third week of October is Workplace Bullying Awareness Week? It is a week to be daring and bold. This week is all about breaking the silence and shame that often surround this problem. In a perfect work setting, it should be a place where every employee feels safe, respected, and empowered to do their best. However, reality often falls short of this ideal. Workplace bullying…

Have you come across terms like “rizz,” “no cap,” “it’s giving,” or “lit” lately? Well, these are the words popularized by Generation Z. As a Gen Z myself, I find myself using these phrases not only in my daily life but also in my professional endeavors. It’s an exciting time for businesses and organizations as the new generation steps into the workforce. Gen Z’s unique upbringing, technological prowess, and distinct…

Do you ever find yourself in that all-too-familiar situation of juggling different tasks at work, feeling like you’re on a never-ending rollercoaster of meetings, deadlines, emails, and projects? It’s a scenario we can all relate to. The demands on time just seem to keep piling up. The key to thriving in this work environment lies in mastering time management—a skill that can be your ticket to achieving greater productivity, reducing…

Social media has become an essential part of our daily lives, both personally and professionally. It burst onto the scene over a decade ago, and it has truly revolutionized the way we connect, work together, and do business. What’s remarkable is that social media isn’t just about marketing; it’s like a bridge connecting businesses and their customers. But it’s more than that; it’s also reshaping the way organizations function internally…

Workplace harassment is a type of discrimination that harms not just the victim but also the whole workplace vibe. It can come in many forms, like hurtful words, physical harm, or unwelcome advances, and it makes the work environment feel hostile. Yet, despite increased awareness of the issue, it remains a prevalent concern in many organizations, impacting employees at all levels. So, what needs to change, and how can we…

If you’ve ever been promoted from the ranks of the worker bees to the lofty position of a manager, you know it’s like jumping into the deep end of the corporate swimming pool without knowing how to swim. It’s a thrilling, yet terrifying experience that can often leave you feeling like a fish out of water. And, to be honest, it’s not entirely your fault if you feel that way…

10,000 layoffs at Microsoft. 6,000 layoffs on Twitter – that’s a whopping 80% of their workforce! Amazon isn’t far behind, with 18,000 layoffs Even Meta is planning to cut another 10,000 jobs.  And Google? Well, they’ve let go of 12,000 of their own. Job market is always shifting these days. Job security feels like it’s hanging by a thread. These layoffs are causing a lot of anxiety and making the…

As someone who has spent quite some time in the workplace, I’ve noticed something odd: talented people seem to leave their jobs more often than not. It’s always a bit baffling when someone with all the skills and abilities a company needs up and leaves for seemingly no reason. A study has shown that 57% of employees leave because of their manager.  So, what can managers do to retain their…

Intercultural communication is like a bridge that helps people from different backgrounds talk to and understand each other. It’s not just about language, but also about how we express ourselves. Take me, for example—I’m from the Philippines, working at Civility Partners, a US company, and reporting to Catherine, my American boss. Even though we both speak English, our communication styles might be different. Catherine’s big on chit-chat, using small talk…

In today’s modern workplaces, we recognize the growing importance of psychological safety. It’s not just another buzzword; it’s a fundamental concept that we value deeply. Just as we prioritize physical safety measures to protect our employees, we understand that psychological safety is equally vital. The emotional and mental well-being of employees directly impacts their overall health and safety. That’s why we place as much emphasis on their psychological, social, and…

In the fast-paced and dynamic environment of the modern workplace, it’s becoming increasingly challenging for individuals to work collaboratively and harmoniously as a team. Competitiveness among colleagues, stress, and communication barriers are some of the obstacles that hinder positive teamwork. In this captivating episode of Catherine’s Corner, Dr. Kevin takes us on a journey through the transformative power of Positive Intelligence (PQ) and its potential to revolutionize your team’s culture.…

Mental health is a complex issue that can affect people from all walks of life, regardless of their social or political status. Historically, some world leaders have been open about their struggles with mental health issues, while others may have faced challenges privately. It is essential to remember that mental health problems should not be stigmatized, and seeking help and support is crucial for everyone, including those in positions of…

Different personalities exist in every workplace, and among them, some individuals can make work challenging for others. These individuals tend to be selfish, aggressive, and arrogant, causing disruptions to morale and productivity in the workplace. Unfortunately, the prevalence of toxic coworkers is increasing, making it a frustrating task to handle them. Toxic coworkers exhibit various behaviors that can complicate identification. However, they commonly demonstrate traits such as controlling, manipulating, and…

In the ever-evolving realm of modern organizations, there’s a shared understanding of the paramount importance of fostering a positive work culture. It’s no secret that a supportive and uplifting culture doesn’t just make employees happy, but it’s also the key for driving productivity and achieving remarkable outcomes. However, measuring the intangible aspects of work culture can be challenging.  To find out how you’re doing on your journey to build a…

Abrasive leaders, also known as “workplace bullies,” engage in aggressive behavior because they are truly unaware that their actions cause so much damage to those around them. A lot of times, they are labeled as narcissists or gaslighters because they display these kinds of behaviors. Sure, they know they’re seen as hard managers to work with, but they probably think their management style makes them effective leaders. This lack of…

Performance reviews can be quite a challenge, for managers and employees alike. As a manager, you bear the responsibility of providing feedback to your team members, and that can be quite daunting, especially if you’re new to the role. Believe me, I know from personal experience! However, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of performance reviews. Studies have shown that highly engaged employees are significantly less likely to leave…

How Much Do Most Companies Spend on Training and Development? The 2021 Training Industry Report published by Training Magazine indicated the average company spent $1,071 per employee on training in 2021. When looking at the average based on size: Small companies (100-999 employees) spent the most per employee at $1,433, even though they decreased their spending by over $200 per employee from the previous year.  Mid-sized companies (1,000-9,999 employees) nearly…

What happens when the CEO of your organization suddenly resigns or retires? Are you confident that there is someone ready to step up and fill the leadership gap?  That is why succession planning is vital to every organization. Succession planning can help ensure a smooth transition of leadership and maintain continuity in the face of unexpected changes.  Starting a succession plan can be daunting, but the first step is to…

In today’s ever-evolving work landscape, it’s refreshing to see organizations finally acknowledging the pivotal role of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in cultivating a thriving workplace. At the same time, the growing recognition of mental health’s significance reflects employers’ understanding that the well-being of their employees is integral to overall organizational success. As Mental Health Awareness Month draws to a close, it’s crucial to remember that our dedication to…

According to a survey conducted by the Workplace Bullying Institute, managers and bosses represent a staggering 65% of people who bully in the workplace. That number is far too high, and it’s time to equip yourself with the tools needed to deal with it. Civility Partners is a consulting and coaching firm based in La Mesa, California. Their articles are always filled with important and valuable insights and tips. Three…