In today’s competitive business landscape, culture is more than a buzzword—it’s a business imperative. With over 161 million people working in the U.S. daily, studies show that 58% of workers believe society is uncivil. 

U.S. workers experience 202 million acts of incivility each day, costing an estimated $2 billion annually. These statistics highlight a critical issue: civility in the workplace is essential for organizational success.

A lack of civility can result in lower job satisfaction, stifle innovation, and increase turnover—undermining a company’s bottom line. When employees feel disrespected or unappreciated, engagement drops, productivity declines, and retention becomes a challenge. In today’s diverse work environments, fostering a culture of civility and inclusion is more crucial than ever. Diversity is a reality, inclusion is a choice.

Diversity is inherent in the workforce, but inclusion requires intentional effort. Inclusion is not just about creating a welcoming atmosphere; it’s about making deliberate, strategic choices. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) recently compiled the top 10 reasons why a culture of civility and inclusion leads to better organizational performance:

• Attract and Retain Top Talent – Inclusive cultures are attractive to diverse, highly skilled candidates.
• Enhance Innovation and Creativity – Varied perspectives lead to more innovative solutions.
• Improve Employee Engagement and Productivity – Higher job satisfaction boosts engagement and productivity.
• Boost Company Reputation – Organizations with inclusive cultures are viewed more favorably by both customers and potential employees.
• Reduce Turnover and Absenteeism – A respectful, inclusive environment lowers dissatisfaction and drives down turnover and absenteeism.
•  Increase Financial Performance – Organizations leading with inclusion are eight times more likely to achieve better business outcomes.
• Ensure Legal Compliance – Prioritizing inclusion helps mitigate risks related to discrimination and legal challenges.
• Create a More Resilient Organization – Diverse teams adapt more effectively to change and navigate challenges.
• Broaden Market Reach – Inclusion opens doors to new markets and customer bases.
• Foster Engagement – Employees feel more connected and invested in their work.

Building a civil culture requires more than surface-level politeness; it demands a conscious effort to create an environment where everyone feels safe to express ideas and perspectives. A civil workplace reflects mutual respect and a commitment to open, genuine discourse. In such an environment, employees seek common ground, show appreciation for one another’s contributions, and refrain from rude or aggressive behavior. Civility promotes communication that is respectful, responsible, and restrained, fostering an atmosphere where individuals feel valued and heard.

Facilitators play a critical role in fostering open, respectful conversations. They help keep groups focused, ensure all voices are heard, and encourage learning over “winning”—a common obstacle in difficult conversations. 

Consultant Gabe DeRita outlines several guiding principles for effective facilitation. He encourages people to “welcome everything and assume nothing,” promoting openness to diverse perspectives and addressing personal biases. DeRita also stresses the importance of recognizing our shared humanity, particularly in challenging conversations, to maintain respect and collaboration.

To support HR professionals in promoting civil and open dialogue, SHRM has partnered with Inclusivv to provide a suite of tools and resources to help leaders engage their teams in inclusive discussions that drive cultural change. These include guided exercises that can be conducted in person or remotely across all levels of an organization.

A powerful example of intentional efforts to drive inclusion is CEO Action for Inclusion & Diversity, now led by SHRM. As the largest CEO-driven initiative focused on inclusion, this coalition brings together over 2,500 CEOs committed to building inclusive workplace cultures. By prioritizing inclusion, organizations can unlock the full potential of their workforce and drive innovation.

Organizations have made significant strides in advancing civility, inclusion, and diversity, but there is still much work to do. For business leaders, embracing this responsibility is not only a moral imperative but a strategic advantage that can propel their companies forward.

At the Western Colorado Human Resource Association (WCHRA), we remain committed to supporting our members in this important work. Join us in November for a presentation by local attorney Christina Harney on “Building a Positive Workplace.” Register at wchra.org.

Carlene Goldthwaite (she/they) is the principal of Create Real Growth and their career has included management, HR, and organizational development roles. She currently serves as the Director of Inclusion and Diversity with the Western Colorado Human Resource Association.