Civility Partners

Yesterday, I came across research by Randstad and it really got me thinking about how much the workplace landscape is changing. This study included insights from 27,000 workers worldwide and what really caught my attention was that nearly half of the respondents—47%, to be exact—expressed a willingness to stick with a job they love, even if there’s no clear path for advancement. And 34% mentioned they have zero interest in…

Legal compliance serves as the bedrock of any organization. While it lays the foundation, a positive workplace culture breathes life into your organization. A strong, supportive culture fosters employee engagement, boosts morale, and enhances productivity.  This balance between compliance and culture was at the heart of our discussion on last week’s Catherine’s Corner, where we explored California Laws 2024 and Their Effect on Workplace Culture.  Catherine was joined by employment…

For the past 15 years, we have been dedicated to transforming toxic workplace cultures and fostering positive environments through executive coaching, corporate training, and large-scale culture change projects. We’ve serviced over 250 clients and their thousands of employees worldwide! We understand the daily struggles faced by employees in toxic environments, and our genuine care for their well-being drives our work. We are passionate about reducing the pain that thousands experience…

Is it appropriate to restrict employees from expressing their political views at work? On the one hand, you want people to feel free to express themselves. But then, you don’t want those water cooler chats to turn into full-blown political showdowns. According to a Gartner survey, around four out of five employees admit to having political discussions at work, but almost half of them find themselves getting distracted on the…

Finding and keeping great employees can be tough for companies all over. With changes in employee expectations, advancements in technology, and shifts in the job market, it’s a real challenge. In 2019, a whopping 42 million U.S. workers alone said “so long” to their jobs voluntarily. Yep, you read that right – 42 million! It’s a staggering number that highlights the magnitude of the challenge companies face in retaining their…

Workplace violence is a serious concern for organizations worldwide. While there are many reasons why it happens, one thing that doesn’t get enough attention is the company culture itself. How people act and treat each other at work can make violence more or less likely to happen. In 2022, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that there was a worker fatality approximately every 96 minutes due to work-related injuries.…

Surveys are a wonderful resource for measuring the success of culture change. Many clients approach us with the awareness of a cultural problem…but an inability to identify the cause. And that’s where we step in, often using survey scores as an identifier.  Let’s take “Client A” for example. Client A knew their culture needed adjusting, but didn’t know where the issue stemmed from. We sent out a survey, gathered responses,…

We’re talking a lot about making sure everyone feels included and respected in the workplace. But sometimes, it’s not the big, obvious stuff that makes people feel excluded and disrespected – it’s the little things. We have likely all experienced situations where someone’s words or actions felt unkind or disrespectful towards our identity. These subtle actions are referred to as “microaggression”.  They can target various aspects of who we are,…

Businesses that prioritize diversity in their workforce significantly increase the likelihood of fostering creative and innovative thinking among their employees by 150%. Also, companies with a lot of different ethnicities and races in their management team are 35% more likely to do better than average in their industry.  For a long time, people have understood that teams with diverse backgrounds work better together. How can you make sure your workplace…

The workforce is the heart of any thriving company. However, without proper training, employees may find themselves ill-equipped to meet the demands of their roles effectively.  Millennials think learning and growing are important reasons for joining a new company. Additionally, individuals from Generation X and subsequent generations require chances to enhance their skills and adapt to changes in technology and market trends.  Investing in employee training and development is key…

The United Nations Women found that about 1 in every 3 women has been sexually harassed at work. 3 out of 4 of them never report it to a manager, HR or anyone else. Imagine a world where every woman is treated with the respect and dignity she deserves. Unfortunately, our reality falls short of this ideal.  Instead, women face a multitude of challenges, ranging from verbal abuse to physical…

The reach of technology is astonishingly broad. It’s awesome how it brings us all closer, but when it’s not handled well, it can cause some serious problems too. From monitoring phone conversations to tracking someone’s every move through GPS, access to emails, texts, and even altering messages in transit, technology can be quite invasive. Moreover, technology can go as far as activating webcams on personal devices or turning on cell…

How many times have you cried in front of your team? How many times have you admitted to not having all the answers or feeling unsure about the direction ahead? In the traditional realm of leadership, these instances might have been considered taboo or signs of weakness. Leadership often conjures images of authority, strength, and unwavering confidence. However, things are changing. Vulnerability, previously avoided in leadership circles, is now being…

Your first day at a new job is a lot like embarking on an adventure. You step through the doors, eager and optimistic, your mind filled with expectations set by the promises of the company’s values and mission. For some, these principles are more than just words on a wall—they’re guiding lights, especially when one core value resonates deeply within.  But what happens when the reality within those walls seems…

Creating a positive workplace culture isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a key player in the success of any business. It goes beyond token gestures like wellness days and promotions; it’s fundamentally about how you treat your people, the support you extend to your team, and the pervasive culture that permeates your workplace. Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty. Have you ever pondered the true cost of your organization’s culture? Does…

How can you make your workplace more exciting and successful?  Organizational success is not solely dependent on strategies or cutting-edge technologies. Instead, the key driver of success lies within the organization itself—specifically, within the collective behaviors of its members.  When the term “toxic employee” is mentioned, thoughts often gravitate towards micromanaging, aggressive communication, threats, and more. However, research indicates that toxicity is more accurately attributed to specific behaviors than to…

Single parents face increased pressure as they balance full-time employment with the responsibility of caring for their children. This heightened pressure comes from various factors, such as economic challenges, limited support systems, and the need to provide for their families. The United States has one of the highest rates globally of children residing in single-parent households, with nearly one in four children, totaling approximately 22 million, living with a sole…

2024 marks an incredible milestone for us—our 15th-anniversary celebration! Yes, you read that right—15 years of making a positive impact on over 270 organizations served, thousands of employees, and millions of people worldwide! Thanks to the vision of our founder and CEO, Catherine Mattice. Our History Catherine started Civility Partners in 2009 with one mission – building a community of thriving individuals, starting at the place they spend the majority…

Employees quit their jobs for different reasons, and a major one is because of a toxic workplace environment. In fact, researchers discovered that between April and September 2021, toxic culture was the main reason why employees decided to leave their jobs. A toxic work culture refers to a situation where negative behaviors are tolerated within an organization. It can quietly harm employee happiness, stop new ideas from flourishing, and weaken…

In California, the upcoming minimum wage boost for fast food workers to $20 starting April 1st has ignited discussions about its potential influence on worker productivity.  Currently, the median hourly wage for fast-food workers in the U.S. is $13.43, while in California, it stands at an average of $16.60 per hour. Examining the connection between minimum wage hikes and productivity reveals a nuanced picture.    Wage Increase and Productivity Research…

Last week marked the celebration of Employee Appreciation Day! During this special time, many companies express their gratitude to their workforce, and one common way they do it is by giving out rewards.  Reward systems are a crucial aspect of employee motivation and engagement in any organization. However, when implemented incorrectly, they can lead not only to a lack of improvement in employee performance but can also actively demotivate and…

The turn of the year often marks a time for personal resolutions, but what about resolutions for the workplace? According to Gallup, employee engagement in the U.S. saw its first annual decline in a decade — dropping from 36% of engaged employees in 2020 to 34% in 2021. How might a new culture shift impact this statistic? Well, take a moment to assess your current organizational culture. How would you…

Sports have a unique ability to inspire, unite, and elevate individuals and communities. I am one of them. It’s not just something fun to watch; it inspires me beyond the competition. It’s not only a game; it’s like a language that touches my heart. Sports are where dreams come alive, like a canvas waiting for stories, and a stage where heroes rise.  It all started when I was five. I…

In the age of globalization, organizations are evolving into hubs of diversity, uniting individuals with varied cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, and perspectives. The process of diverse talents and experiences can lead to innovation and enhanced problem-solving capabilities. However, to harness the full potential of this diversity, organizations must prioritize effective intercultural communication. What is Intercultural Communication? Intercultural communication is the exchange of information and ideas between individuals hailing from diverse cultural…

In the workplace, dealing with an angry boss is not uncommon. They might get upset for a moment or be consistently frustrated. It can be tough to handle, but if you figure out why it’s happening and find good ways to deal with it, you can make the work situation better. It’s like sailing through rough waters at work when your boss is upset. Maybe they’re stressed or always seem…

Last Monday, November 13th was World Kindness Day. As an organization that is focused on building positive and healthy work environments, being kind doesn’t just make us feel warm and fuzzy; it actually helps us achieve awesome results, especially as we’re growing. Think about it: a simple “thank you,” “please,” or “you’re welcome” creates a big impact in communication. And guess what? Science backs this up! Being kind isn’t just…

Every successful team depends on its members to contribute effectively and work together cohesively. As a manager or team leader, it is important to make sure that your team is working effectively and efficiently. Every team should have people who do their job that lives up to the company’s standards of quality work. However, no team is perfect. There are some instances where team members may be underperforming for whatever…

Right after I wrapped up my university degree, I was super excited to dive into my career. But let me tell you, it was no walk in the park trying to land my very first job. Finding a job, especially in my hometown, was a real challenge. After a whole lot of searching, I finally scored a full time job at an optical clinic. I worked really hard and did…

Did you know that every third week of October is Workplace Bullying Awareness Week? It is a week to be daring and bold. This week is all about breaking the silence and shame that often surround this problem. In a perfect work setting, it should be a place where every employee feels safe, respected, and empowered to do their best. However, reality often falls short of this ideal. Workplace bullying…

Have you come across terms like “rizz,” “no cap,” “it’s giving,” or “lit” lately? Well, these are the words popularized by Generation Z. As a Gen Z myself, I find myself using these phrases not only in my daily life but also in my professional endeavors. It’s an exciting time for businesses and organizations as the new generation steps into the workforce. Gen Z’s unique upbringing, technological prowess, and distinct…

Do you ever find yourself in that all-too-familiar situation of juggling different tasks at work, feeling like you’re on a never-ending rollercoaster of meetings, deadlines, emails, and projects? It’s a scenario we can all relate to. The demands on time just seem to keep piling up. The key to thriving in this work environment lies in mastering time management—a skill that can be your ticket to achieving greater productivity, reducing…

Social media has become an essential part of our daily lives, both personally and professionally. It burst onto the scene over a decade ago, and it has truly revolutionized the way we connect, work together, and do business. What’s remarkable is that social media isn’t just about marketing; it’s like a bridge connecting businesses and their customers. But it’s more than that; it’s also reshaping the way organizations function internally…

Workplace harassment is a type of discrimination that harms not just the victim but also the whole workplace vibe. It can come in many forms, like hurtful words, physical harm, or unwelcome advances, and it makes the work environment feel hostile. Yet, despite increased awareness of the issue, it remains a prevalent concern in many organizations, impacting employees at all levels. So, what needs to change, and how can we…

If you’ve ever been promoted from the ranks of the worker bees to the lofty position of a manager, you know it’s like jumping into the deep end of the corporate swimming pool without knowing how to swim. It’s a thrilling, yet terrifying experience that can often leave you feeling like a fish out of water. And, to be honest, it’s not entirely your fault if you feel that way…

10,000 layoffs at Microsoft. 6,000 layoffs on Twitter – that’s a whopping 80% of their workforce! Amazon isn’t far behind, with 18,000 layoffs Even Meta is planning to cut another 10,000 jobs.  And Google? Well, they’ve let go of 12,000 of their own. Job market is always shifting these days. Job security feels like it’s hanging by a thread. These layoffs are causing a lot of anxiety and making the…

As someone who has spent quite some time in the workplace, I’ve noticed something odd: talented people seem to leave their jobs more often than not. It’s always a bit baffling when someone with all the skills and abilities a company needs up and leaves for seemingly no reason. A study has shown that 57% of employees leave because of their manager.  So, what can managers do to retain their…

Intercultural communication is like a bridge that helps people from different backgrounds talk to and understand each other. It’s not just about language, but also about how we express ourselves. Take me, for example—I’m from the Philippines, working at Civility Partners, a US company, and reporting to Catherine, my American boss. Even though we both speak English, our communication styles might be different. Catherine’s big on chit-chat, using small talk…

In today’s modern workplaces, we recognize the growing importance of psychological safety. It’s not just another buzzword; it’s a fundamental concept that we value deeply. Just as we prioritize physical safety measures to protect our employees, we understand that psychological safety is equally vital. The emotional and mental well-being of employees directly impacts their overall health and safety. That’s why we place as much emphasis on their psychological, social, and…

In the fast-paced and dynamic environment of the modern workplace, it’s becoming increasingly challenging for individuals to work collaboratively and harmoniously as a team. Competitiveness among colleagues, stress, and communication barriers are some of the obstacles that hinder positive teamwork. In this captivating episode of Catherine’s Corner, Dr. Kevin takes us on a journey through the transformative power of Positive Intelligence (PQ) and its potential to revolutionize your team’s culture.…

Mental health is a complex issue that can affect people from all walks of life, regardless of their social or political status. Historically, some world leaders have been open about their struggles with mental health issues, while others may have faced challenges privately. It is essential to remember that mental health problems should not be stigmatized, and seeking help and support is crucial for everyone, including those in positions of…