Professionalism in the Workplace: Strategies for Success

According to SHRM's Q1 2024 Civility Index, a tool used to measure incivility experienced in the workplace, 66% of U.S. employees surveyed believe that rudeness lowers productivity, and 59% agree that it hinders morale. These statistics indicate that unprofessional attitudes and behaviors in the workplace can negatively impact a company's bottom line. 

Establishing appropriate workplace conduct in your company is your responsibility as an employer. You must set and maintain clear expectations. To do this you can:

• Offer ongoing training to managers ensuring that each department is set up for success. 

• Ensure your employees understand the policies and know what is expected of them.

• Foster a culture of respect and reliability.

• Recognize and reward employees who go above and beyond. 

• Conduct workshops, seminars, or training sessions on appropriate workplace conduct.

• Offer helpful advice and practical guidance on exemplifying professional conduct in various work scenarios.

  
  

In addition to ensuring your employees are prepared and understand what is expected of them, it is important to address any unprofessional behavior or attitudes displayed by your employees. Inappropriate outbursts and disrespectful attitudes are examples of behaviors that can harm the workplace by causing distractions and undermining the company culture. This can involve giving advice, counseling, coaching, and, if necessary, taking disciplinary action. By taking immediate action to resolve these concerns, you can avoid unprofessional behavior that could potentially harm the company's reputation and the work environment.

If you have questions regarding appropriate workplace conduct or how to handle inappropriate behavior in your workplace, connect with our consulting team.