This podcast explores the toxic effects of rudeness, particularly in healthcare settings. It discusses the impact on focus, creativity, and willingness to help others. It also highlights the negative effects on staff retention and patient care. The podcast discusses the importance of choosing battles, the influence of generosity and kindness, and the levels of rudeness in the US and Australia. It explores the consequences of increased incivility on well-being and cooperation in society. An interview with a nurse shares her experience of handling rude behavior in high-stress situations.
Rudeness in the workplace can have significant negative effects on an individual's well-being, including anxiety and self-doubt.
Workplace incivility, such as rude and disrespectful behavior, can lead to reduced focus, decreased creativity, and lower patient safety and quality of care.
Deep dives
The Impact of Rude Behavior in Healthcare Settings
In this podcast episode, a registered psychiatric nurse named Orla shares her experience with a dismissive and rude doctor in a hospital setting. The rude behavior of colleagues can have a significant impact on a nurse's well-being, causing anxiety and self-doubt. However, rudeness in the workplace goes beyond personal struggles, as studies have shown that it can lead to reduced focus, impaired problem-solving, and lower staff retention. In healthcare specifically, rudeness can even affect patient care, leading to lower compliance with hygiene protocols and an increased risk of diagnostic errors and mortality.
The Characteristics and Consequences of Incivility
The podcast explores the characteristics and consequences of workplace incivility. Incivility is characterized by behavior that is rude, disrespectful, and violates norms of mutual respect. It is often ambiguous in intent and low in intensity, which makes it difficult for targets to address or report. Studies have shown that experiencing incivility can lead to poor outcomes, including reduced well-being, decreased focus on tasks, decreased creativity, and reduced willingness to help others. Workplace incivility, especially in healthcare settings, has also been linked to lower patient safety and quality of care.
Factors Influencing Incivility and Potential Interventions
The podcast discusses factors that contribute to incivility in the workplace and potential interventions. Research suggests that individuals with lower well-being and higher levels of job stress and burnout are more likely to engage in incivility. Reciprocal incivility, where individuals who experience or witness incivility are more likely to reciprocate the behavior, is also identified as a significant factor. However, older employees and those with higher job control were found to be less likely to engage in reciprocal incivility. Recognizing the impact of incivility and prioritizing employee well-being, autonomy, and communication can help organizations address and reduce workplace incivility.