Rudeness in the workplace can seem subtler than harassment or bullying. In fact, it may even seem routine. Mounting research, however, demonstrates that rudeness can harm employees’ well-being and work performance. If rudeness feels like a threat, it uses cognitive resources to focus attention on processing unpleasant interactions, according to Amir Erez, a management professor at the University of Florida. His research in hospital work environments found this drain could have devastating outcomes for patients.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, August 18, 2017 (paywall).
Performance in the simulation was scored by judges unaware of these conditions. “The results were scary,” says Dr. Erez. “The teams exposed to rudeness gave the wrong diagnosis, didn’t resuscitate or ventilate appropriately, didn’t communicate well, gave the wrong medications and made other serious mistakes.”
INSIGHTS: This and other examples in the article demonstrate that rudeness isn’t a simple nuisance. It has real consequences. The article also features a couple ways to enhance the work environment.