The Hidden Cost of Incivility at Work
Civility is more than just a nice-to-have in the workplace—it’s a business imperative. The latest SHRM Civility Index reveals that while there has been a modest improvement in civility scores, incivility remains a significant challenge in American workplaces and society at large. With 208 million acts of incivility occurring daily, the impact on workplace culture, productivity, and the broader economy is staggering.
At the IGC Institute, we believe that leadership is defined not just by results, but by the culture we foster. Incivility isn’t just unpleasant—it’s expensive. The collective daily loss to U.S. organizations due to reduced productivity and absenteeism now surpasses $2.1 billion. That’s a wake-up call.
What’s Driving Workplace Incivility?
SHRM’s data highlights key contributors to incivility in the workplace:
Racial, gender, and generational divides remain major friction points.
Social and political differences continue to erode workplace cohesion.
Return-to-office mandates and layoffs are fueling increased workplace tensions—employees at companies with RTO mandates report committing 63% more acts of incivility, while those in organizations that experienced layoffs report a 67% increase in uncivil behavior.
And here’s the kicker—71% of employees say their managers could be doing more to prevent incivility.
The New Leadership Imperative
If we want to build resilient, high-performing organizations, we need to start by tackling incivility at its root. Leaders must:
Set the tone: Culture starts at the top. A commitment to respect and inclusion should be non-negotiable.
Engage in the tough conversations: Differences in opinion will persist, but leaders who foster open, constructive dialogue build stronger, more cohesive teams.
Hold people accountable: Incivility should never be ignored. Clear policies, swift action, and visible consequences are key.
Prioritize psychological safety: Employees who feel heard, valued, and supported are far less likely to contribute to an uncivil environment.
Nonpartisan Civics Education Builds Stronger, More Resilient Workplaces
One of the most overlooked solutions to workplace incivility is nonpartisan civics education and engagement opportunities. When employees understand the democratic process, engage in civil discourse, and develop media literacy skills, they become better equipped to navigate workplace differences without conflict.
Civic literacy builds common ground: Understanding how policies are made (rather than just debating what they should be) shifts conversations from emotional arguments to fact-based discussions.
Structured engagement fosters respectful dialogue: Nonpartisan civic initiatives—such as town halls, moderated discussions, and civic learning programs—create space for employees to engage with different viewpoints without hostility.
A shared sense of purpose reduces polarization: When employees participate in volunteering, community service, or civic engagement programs, they see firsthand how collective action drives change. This reduces the “us vs. them” mentality that fuels workplace division.
Media literacy curbs misinformation-fueled tension: Many workplace disagreements are rooted in misinformation. Providing employees with tools to critically evaluate sources and verify information helps prevent unnecessary conflict.
At the IGC Institute, we integrate civics education into leadership training because strong democracies and strong workplaces thrive on the same principles—respect, accountability, and shared responsibility.
Join the IGC Institute in Leading the Way
The SHRM report makes one thing clear: if we want better workplaces, we must be intentional about leading with civility. Every conversation, every decision, every interaction is an opportunity to reset the tone.
By equipping employees with the knowledge and tools to engage respectfully, organizations can turn workplace polarization into productive dialogue. The result? Stronger teams, a healthier culture, and a workforce that’s prepared to lead—inside and outside the office.
At the IGC Institute, we help leaders foster trust, respect, and high-performance cultures. Because a more civil workplace isn’t just good for business—it’s the foundation for a stronger society.
Join us — let’s lead the way!