2. Why You Should Care About Civility at Work in 2021

People are not looking for new jobs this year, so says a study by LinkedIn, this year, and are afraid to take the leap to finding a new position amidst financial stress and uncertainty. Since last March, about 80 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits.

It’s understandable that Americans are choosing to shelter in place in their current employment, as the weekly and monthly reports show that hiring is painstakingly slow and the U.S. has 10 million fewer jobs than before the pandemic started.

While Americans are choosing to stay at their place of employment as fear surrounds the country, civility and kindness are more important than ever before. This year, employees may find they are afraid to speak up, out of fear of unemployment.

Research has shown that it is almost impossible to be untouched by incivility during your career. A noted scholar on civility, at Georgetown University, Christine Porath wrote, “Over the past 20 years I’ve polled thousands of workers and found that 98% have experienced uncivil behavior and 99% have witnessed it.”

The years 2020 and 2021 are defining as communities, lifestyles, and businesses are pivoting rapidly to adapt to our changing world. The time to stand up for respect, humanity, and kindness is now.

Here are 4 ways you can promote civility in your work environment in 2021:

1. Take time to get to know your co-workers.

Working remotely every day is isolating. Take a few minutes during the workday to check in with your co-workers. Several businesses that are working from home have a chat dedicated to casual conversations with others in the company.

2. Set expectations and be transparent.

Be clear in communicating your expectations and hopes for those working with you. Online communication can often be muddled and frustrating. You may need to repeat yourself.

3. Recognize and celebrate the strengths and accomplishments of others

Praise those on your team publicly who are doing well! Nothing promotes exceptional work like building up the members on your team.

4. Create an environment where your co-workers feel comfortable sharing their input.

Respond positively to those with ideas by actively listening and validating their ideas. People need to feel listened to and heard in order to share ideas in the future.