Civility in the workplace goes beyond manners—it’s a cornerstone of a thriving, inclusive, and accessible environment. For nonprofits advocating for accessibility and supporting individuals with disabilities, cultivating civility is especially important. It creates a foundation for psychological safety, collaboration, and equitable opportunities, making the workplace a space where everyone can contribute and excel.
Why Civility Matters
Incivility in the workplace can lead to dissatisfaction, high turnover, and diminished collaboration. According to recent findings from SHRM:
- Employees in uncivil workplaces are three times more likely to be dissatisfied with their jobs and twice as likely to leave within a year compared to those in civil environments.
- HR professionals in uncivil workplaces report double the turnover rates of their civil counterparts.
- Workers who experience or witness incivility are less likely to feel psychologically safe, significantly reducing their ability to share honest thoughts and collaborate effectively.
For employees with disabilities, incivility can create even greater barriers, amplifying feelings of exclusion and undermining their contributions.
Civility as a Strategic Imperative
Creating a civil workplace isn’t just about avoiding conflict; it’s a strategic move that benefits everyone, including employees, leadership, and the organization as a whole. Civil interactions foster:
- Psychological Safety: Employees feel secure in expressing ideas without fear of judgment or retaliation.
- Collaboration: Teams work more effectively when trust and mutual respect are prioritized.
- Retention: Employees are more likely to stay in an environment where they feel valued and respected.
For individuals with disabilities, civility ensures accommodations are not only implemented but embraced, and their voices are heard.
Practical Steps to Foster Civility
Building a culture of civility requires intentional effort. Here are actionable steps to create a more civil and inclusive workplace:
- Lead by Example
Leaders set the tone for workplace culture. Model respectful behavior, practice active listening, and address incivility immediately. - Provide Training
Equip employees and managers with tools to recognize and address incivility. Include specific training on accessibility and disability inclusion to foster understanding and empathy. - Establish Clear Policies
Develop and enforce policies that define and promote civil behavior. Ensure these policies explicitly address harassment, discrimination, and microaggressions. - Encourage Open Communication
Create channels for employees to provide feedback and report concerns without fear of retaliation. Regularly check in with employees, including those with disabilities, to ensure they feel supported. - Celebrate Diversity and Inclusion
Highlight the contributions of employees with disabilities and promote an environment where all perspectives are valued.
Civility and Accessibility Go Hand in Hand
For nonprofits advocating for workplace accessibility, promoting civility is a critical part of the mission. A civil workplace ensures that accommodations and support for employees with disabilities are treated as essential and not optional. It also helps eliminate the stigma and stereotypes that can arise in uncivil environments.
By fostering civility, organizations can create a workplace where everyone feels empowered to contribute fully, paving the way for true accessibility and inclusion.
Want to learn more about creating accessible and inclusive workplaces? Contact us today to see how we can help your organization foster a culture of civility and inclusion for employees with disabilities.