What's Happening?
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has released findings from its Q3 2025 Civility Index, revealing that U.S. workers experience or witness nearly nine acts of incivility each week, resulting in over $2.1 billion in lost productivity and
absenteeism daily. The report identifies differing political viewpoints, opposing social opinions, and racial or ethnic differences as major drivers of workplace tension. SHRM emphasizes the importance of inclusive leadership in harnessing these differences as a competitive advantage. Leaders are encouraged to build teams with diverse thinking styles and backgrounds to fuel innovation and long-term performance. The report also highlights the role of affinity bias in shaping workplace dynamics and stresses the need for leaders to push beyond sameness to foster a culture of empathy and innovation.
Why It's Important?
The findings underscore the critical role of inclusive leadership in addressing workplace incivility, which has significant economic implications. By fostering diverse teams, organizations can enhance innovation and engagement, ultimately improving performance and reducing costs associated with incivility. The report suggests that leaders who value contrasting perspectives can strengthen organizational culture and better equip their teams to tackle complex challenges. This approach not only mitigates the negative impacts of incivility but also positions organizations to thrive in a competitive business environment.
