What's Happening?
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has reported a significant rise in workplace incivility, with U.S. workers experiencing or witnessing nearly nine acts of incivility each week. This trend is contributing to over $2.1 billion in lost productivity
and absenteeism daily. The SHRM Q3 2025 Civility Index identifies major drivers of this tension as differing political viewpoints, opposing social opinions, and racial or ethnic differences. In response, SHRM emphasizes the importance of inclusive leadership that leverages diverse personalities and thinking styles to foster innovation and collaboration. Stephen Shapiro, creator of Personality Poker, advocates for recognizing and balancing different personality traits within teams to enhance performance and civility.
Why It's Important?
The rise in workplace incivility has significant implications for U.S. businesses, affecting productivity and employee morale. By addressing these issues through inclusive leadership, companies can mitigate the negative impacts of incivility. Leaders who embrace diversity of thought and personality can drive innovation and improve team dynamics, ultimately leading to better business outcomes. This approach not only enhances workplace culture but also positions organizations to tackle complex challenges more effectively. As businesses strive to remain competitive, fostering an inclusive environment becomes a strategic advantage.
What's Next?
Organizations are likely to implement training and development programs focused on inclusive leadership and diversity. SHRM's insights may prompt companies to reassess their team dynamics and leadership strategies, encouraging a shift towards more balanced and diverse teams. As businesses adopt these practices, they may see improvements in employee engagement and productivity. Additionally, the upcoming 2026 SHRM Linkage Institute conference will likely further explore these themes, providing leaders with tools and strategies to enhance workplace civility and performance.
Beyond the Headlines
The emphasis on inclusive leadership highlights broader societal shifts towards valuing diversity and addressing unconscious biases. As organizations adopt these practices, they contribute to a cultural change that extends beyond the workplace, promoting empathy and understanding in broader social contexts. This shift may also influence public policy and educational initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and reducing societal tensions.
