Incivility Is Still on the Rise

The HR landscape is rapidly evolving, and small businesses must adapt to stay competitive. One pressing issue that demands attention is building a culture of civility.

Incivility Is Still on the Rise
Workplace incivility is at an all-time high, with the latest SHRM Civility Index revealing troubling insights:

• 44% of U.S. workers believe incivility will worsen in 2025.

• 26% of employees are considering leaving their jobs next year due to incivility.

Workplace conflict, often fueled by political and social disagreements, isn’t just a morale issue—it’s a productivity killer. Without proactive efforts, this trend will persist into 2025, leaving small businesses vulnerable to turnover and operational disruptions.

Why Civility Matters for Small Businesses

In small teams, where every employee plays a critical role, even minor conflicts can have outsized effects on morale, collaboration, and overall productivity. Creating a workplace culture rooted in respect and open communication is essential to maintaining harmony and ensuring the business thrives.

An HR Expert/Consultant can help:

• Develop customized training programs to instill respectful workplace behaviors.

• Craft clear, actionable workplace behavior policies, including expanded handbook sections on acceptable behaviors (e.g., code of conduct, ethics, and company values).

• Provide conflict resolution strategies, ensuring HR is looped in before issues escalate or remain unaddressed.

Final Thoughts

Civility isn’t just a “nice-to-have” in 2024, 2025…. it’s a strategic necessity. Small business owners who take proactive steps to foster respect and collaboration will see higher retention, stronger team cohesion, and improved productivity. With the right guidance from an HR consultant, your business can create a culture of civility that becomes a competitive advantage in 2025 and beyond.