Nearly half of U.S. employees are concerned that incivility will become an increasing issue in 2025, and a quarter are prepared to leave their jobs if there is no improvement, according to new Civility Index research conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
In response to these troubling trends, The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University has teamed up with SHRM to launch an active partnership aimed at fostering more respectful and productive workplaces nationwide. By 2025, the collaboration seeks to spark 1 million workplace conversations centered on civility by using tools in the SHRM Civility Starter Kit, such as communication guides and conversation starter activities.
“The mission of The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University is to improve civility through character development and ethical leadership,” says Scott Raecker, executive director of the center. “The partnership with SHRM is rooted in assessment of civility in the workplace informing data-driven tools and resources to SHRM members throughout the country with a goal of advancing one million civil conversations in the workplace by 2025. This is one way in which we’re offering the knowledge and expertise of Drake faculty and staff to benefit the greater good of society.”
The initiative combines the expertise of The Ray Center, known for its emphasis on character development and ethical leadership—through programs like a K-12 program serving 8 million youth worldwide that focuses on building students’ character skills and shaping a positive school culture—with SHRM’s extensive reach and influence in the field of human resources. Together, the organizations will address growing concerns about workplace culture and employee well-being, offering solutions designed to promote dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect among colleagues. The goal is to empower individuals at all organizational levels to navigate sensitive topics, resolve conflicts, and foster an inclusive culture.
Drake University alum Johnny C. Taylor Jr., president and CEO at SHRM, emphasized the importance of addressing workplace challenges through proactive communication. “One of the greatest lessons of this [past] year has been the growing need for empathetic and civil leaders,” Taylor said in his 2024 In Review: Leading with Empathy, Civility, and Innovation. Crucial partnerships, including the one with Drake, are “fostering cultures where respect and inclusivity are non-negotiable.”
