Civility In The Workplace: Does It Exist?

“Be civil to all, sociable to many, familiar with few, friend to one, enemy to none.”

– Benjamin Franklin

Civility.

The word conjures up ideas of a time when people were more refined in their behavior.  A time when etiquette mattered.  A time when mothers taught their children the “proper” way to behave, how to act like a lady or gentleman.  In my mind’s eye, it is a simpler time.  A time when even in quarrels, duels, and battles, certain rules of appropriateness applied and were followed.

The topic of civility in the workplace, or what to do when it is lacking in specific employees, came up at the CHCA conference this week.  For several HR executives, being able to teach, no, demand that employees treat each other in a respectful way is on their radar.  Employees have become lax in many organizations.  They do not show respect to everyone they work with.  They roll their eyes, disregard instructions, and ignore job duties.  Then, managers are left to figure out how to discipline them.

This question is not unique to the healthcare industry.  I’d like to hear your thoughts:

• Do we still have civility in the workplace?
• If not, what does your organization do to promote mannerly behavior?
• What advice do you give to managers who have a disrespectful employee to handle?

Let’s pull together and come up with some good ideas for our HR colleagues from CHCA and the pediatric hospitals across the country.  Thanks in advance for your comments.