top of page

Workplace Civility: Honoring Human Rights Month by Building Respectful Work Environments

ree

Workplace civility is more than polite behavior. It is a foundational human-centered practice that fuels productivity, strengthens trust, and ensures that every employee experiences dignity and respect. As organizations recognize Human Rights Month and observe Human Rights Day on December 10, it is an ideal time to emphasize how respect-driven workplace cultures directly support universal human rights.


According to the United Nations, Human Rights Day celebrates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document affirming that all individuals deserve equality, respect, and protection. These principles extend to every professional environment and underscore why workplace civility is essential for modern organizations.


Human rights principles apply to every workplace. Civility helps those principles come to life.


The Impact of Civility on Performance and Well-Being

A growing body of research confirms that civil work environments strengthen productivity, retention, and engagement.


  • Forbes Business Council reports that respectful workplaces see improved collaboration, reduced conflict, and higher organizational performance.

  • NIH research shows that civility enhances psychological safety and reduces stress, allowing employees to feel protected and valued.


The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) reinforces these findings across multiple resources:

  • SHRM highlights that workplace civility requires intentional skill-building, including effective communication, active listening, and conflict management.

  • SHRM also notes that political tension and incivility in the workplace have increased in recent years, emphasizing the need for clear expectations and proactive culture-building.

  • SHRM provides actionable recommendations that HR teams can use to unlock civility, including consistent modeling of respectful behavior, transparent policies, and fair accountability.


Together, these insights underline the fact that civility is not optional. It is essential to employee well-being, team trust, and organizational resilience.


Connecting Civility with Human Rights Month

Human Rights Month serves as a reminder that civil and respectful workplaces uphold fundamental human rights daily. When organizations integrate dignity, fairness, and equal opportunity into their workplace expectations, they create environments where employees can thrive.


When civility is embedded into workplace culture:

  • Every voice is heard

  • Employees experience safety and fairness

  • Diversity is respected and celebrated

  • Communication remains open and constructive

  • Leaders and teams build trust through mutual respect


Civility becomes a tangible expression of an organization’s commitment to human rights and ethical leadership.


How Organizations Can Champion Civility

SHRM research and guidance provide practical ways organizations can build more respectful cultures:


1. Model Civil Behavior at Every Level Leaders must demonstrate the professionalism and respect they expect from others.


2. Establish Clear Behavior Standards SHRM emphasizes the importance of documented expectations to reduce ambiguity and inconsistency.


3. Provide Skills-Based Training Training on communication, conflict management, and emotional intelligence equips teams to navigate differences respectfully.


4. Address Incivility Promptly and Fairly SHRM stresses that avoiding conflict enables toxic behaviors to take root. Accountability is essential.


5. Foster Open, Safe Dialogue Teams need structured opportunities to express concerns, ask questions, and share perspectives without fear of retaliation.


These strategies, grounded in SHRM’s expertise, help organizations uphold human rights by creating healthier, more inclusive workplaces.


Civility as a Strategic Advantage

Organizations that prioritize civility do more than create pleasant work environments. They build stronger brands, enhance retention, and attract top-tier talent. As noted by the Forbes Business Council, workplaces grounded in respect consistently outperform those that fail to prioritize psychological safety and employee dignity.


By embedding human rights principles into daily operations, businesses elevate both human and organizational potential.


How SuiteMate Staffing Solutions Champions Civility and Human Rights


SuiteMate Staffing Solutions integrates civility, dignity, and respect into every level of our operations. We are committed to helping businesses strengthen culture, improve retention, and build teams where employees feel valued and supported.


SuiteMate Is a Proud Second-Chance Employer

We believe every individual deserves a fair opportunity to rebuild and succeed. Our second-chance employment practices support community reintegration, promote inclusion, and help employers access skilled, motivated talent.


Multi-State Coverage Ensuring Consistent, High-Quality Support

Our widespread service footprint allows businesses across multiple states to receive the same level of excellence, reliability, and compliance support, regardless of location.


Unmatched Commitment to Compliance

Civility and compliance work hand in hand. SuiteMate prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and transparency, ensuring that clients and employees are protected through proper documentation, safety standards, and regulatory alignment. This reduces risk and reinforces ethical practices across the workforce.


Human-Centered, Partnership-Focused Staffing

We listen closely, collaborate with intention, and tailor our staffing solutions to the unique needs of each organization. Clients choose SuiteMate because we operate as partners who elevate workplace culture—not just vendors filling positions.



A Human-Centered Future

As we recognize Human Rights Month, it is clear that civility remains a powerful force in shaping stronger, more equitable workplaces. It builds trust, enhances performance, and ensures that every individual is treated with the dignity they deserve.


SuiteMate Staffing Solutions proudly supports organizations that are committed to creating respectful, civil, and human-centered work environments. If your business is ready to elevate its workforce and strengthen its culture, our team is here to partner with you.


SuiteMate Staffing Solutions

Phone: 817-405-9226


Sources


 
 
bottom of page