Incivility is not an isolated problem, limited to a few bad actors or facilities. The problem is widespread and persistent.
Positive, psychologically safe workplaces lead to high-performing teams, and nowhere is this more crucial than in the healthcare industry. When everyone works together— clinicians, nurses, administrators, and staff—the result is fewer errors, better care, and healthier patients.
Yet too often, unprofessional behavior undermines individual performance, team cohesion, and care delivery. Even small acts of incivility can worsen patient outcomes.
ABOUT THIS REPORT
This guidebook explores incivility as a personal and organizational risk, compromising individual wellbeing, team dynamics, patient safety, and financial performance. Workplace incivility includes verbal abuse, nonverbal behavior, passive-aggressive actions, and bullying. These low-intensity negative interactions may not meet legal thresholds for harassment, yet incivility directly undermines patient safety and organizational performance. This report outlines practical strategies to interrupt unprofessional behavior, address contributing risk factors, and build a respectful and collaborative culture.