Only read this article if you are a manager of people.
I never thought rude and disrespectful behavior in the workplace would be tolerated. In the near past (say 5 years ago) tolerating rude and disrespectful behavior toward the boss (and your coworkers) wasn’t a thing. Why is it now? I have some ideas about how this evolved.
(1) Post Covid, the workplace talent pool is much smaller — so managers aren’t quick to reprimand or dismiss people who are essential to the organization’s functioning structure. Consequently, some of your workforce knows they have job security, even with their bratty behaviors.
(2) Y & Z generation workers who grew up with native computing and internet skills became the de-facto V.P. of technology in their homes. They were rewarded by management (mom and dad) without the dues-paying regimen of following a company hierarchy. It was easy to be arrogant.
(3) Most organizations are hiring “gig” workers; part-timers who get paid to do essential tasks on the job, but don’t necessarily fall under the same rules of conduct as the salaried team members. Said another way, they are able to get away with being quirky and obstinate.
And (4), almost daily, younger workers are comfortable “sounding off” on their social media platforms. The more outrageous their opinions, the more followers they can attract. As their fan base grows, so does the unconscious encouragement to let that attitude spill over onto their coworkers and management.
I’m convinced the perfect storm of “not enough people and “social media outrage” are causing an upswing in rude and disrespectful workplace behavior.
This is a company culture issue that cannot and should not be tolerated. Senior leaders need to set clear boundaries for both acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. Comply or good-bye. I am not suggesting you build a command-and-control environment. But rather, design your organization as a place where coworkers feel collaborative and safe from emotionally disturbing outbursts. Drama created by rude people needs to be put on notice. Disrespect toward another colleague’s contributions is a cancer that must be cut from any organization. If not, you managers will spend a good part of your days making apologies, patching up injured feelings, and playing referee in your coworker’s disputes. Sorry, not sorry.
SOURCES:
- HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW https://hbr.org/2019/07/why-people-get-away-with-being-rude-at-work
- BUSINESS NEWS DAILY https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/9145-employee-disrespect-effect.html
- US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/how-rudeness-can-ruin-your-workplace
Ross Shafer is the author of (10) business book on resilience, self motivation, customer experience, and tactics for success. He is also a 6-time Emmy winning TV host and keynote speaker for more than 2,500 events. Visit www.RossShafer.com for more free articles and videos. For keynote inquiries, contact AllisonDalvit@gmail.com.
- Ross Shafer website: www.RossShafer.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/rossshafer
- Twitter: @RossShafer
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RossShaferConsultants
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossshafer/