Three manufacturing workers in hard hats stand side by side in a factory setting, viewed from behind. A stylized handshake graphic overlays the image, filled with words like "cooperate," "connect," "assist," and "respect," symbolizing unity and collaboration in the workplace. The design features a blue monochromatic color scheme.

Respect on the Line: Addressing Incivility in Manufacturing

April 14, 2025 In Other No Comments

In 2020, manufacturing workers ranked among the happiest across all industries—but in today’s turbulent workplace landscape, marked by rising incivility and shifting job security concerns, the question is: Can the industry maintain that satisfaction in 2025 and beyond?

The industry faces a looming talent shortage. Over the past decade, median employee tenure in manufacturing has declined by more than 15%, while the average employee age in has risen above 44. To secure a balanced and diverse workforce for the future, the industry must adapt to attract and retain talent across all generations. Additionally, it must confront a critical, often-overlooked challenge: the higher prevalence of uncivil behavior within the sector. This article examines the impact of incivility on the manufacturing workforce. It explores how organizations can prepare frontline leaders to navigate these challenges, foster respect, and drive productivity in an evolving industry.

Why Manufacturing is a Hotbed for Incivility

Manufacturing environments are particularly susceptible to incivility, driven by high-pressure operations, generational divides, and complex workplace dynamics. Additionally, they host diverse teams that bring value when cultivated properly but can make workplaces more susceptible to polarization and tension when leaders fail to set the standard.

Compounding this issue of incivility in manufacturing is the rapid adoption of advanced technologies—such as AI, robotics, and automation. These add another layer of uncertainty and stress for operators, engineers, and leaders alike.

The stakes are high. In less than a decade, the net need for new employees in manufacturing is projected to reach 3.8 million. Nearly half of these roles could go unfilled if the labor gaps remain unaddressed. To thrive in this changing landscape, manufacturers must innovate technologically and empower leaders to drive meaningful change that attracts emerging talent while retaining their experienced workforce.

Moving Beyond the Stereotypes in Manufacturing

Manufacturing has long been defined by a ‘get things done’ attitude. Reflecting on my own experience in a similar high-pressure environment, we embraced a ‘GSD’ mantra—’Get Stuff Done.’ We even had shirts made up with #GSD across the ba

ck. While this mindset drives efficiency and productivity, it can sometimes cause leaders to prioritize results over relationships, losing the human touch in their interactions. This, in turn, can create environments where behaviors like sharp feedback or abrupt communication are seen as the norm.

Lack of training in soft skills and communication exacerbates these issues. According to recent SHRM data, significant gaps in leadership accountability contribute to a climate where incivility often goes unchecked.

But what if these long-standing cultural norms drive away the talent manufacturers need to survive?

Amy Edmondson, a leading expert on psychological safety, argues that today’s work environment demands a shift in leadership. “It’s the job of the leader—the highest-status person around—to make sure everyone understands that speaking up is not just encouraged, it’s required,” she explains.

Employees take cues from their supervisors. A recurring theme in our three-day Frontline Leadership Training is the need to lead by example—something leaders strive for, and employees deeply appreciate.  A leader who models civility by actively listening, acknowledging civil and uncivil behaviors, and holding themselves and others accountable will create a ripple effect throughout the organization. When leaders model civility, it creates the type of culture that manufacturers will need to fill talent gaps and outpace the competition.

Civility Training: Equipping Leaders to Set the Standard

Workplace Civility Training doesn’t just teach leaders how to be “nice”—it equips them with the skills to lead more effectively in high-pressure environments. The reality is that most workplace incivility isn’t malicious. It’s a byproduct of stress, unclear expectations, or learned behaviors that have gone unchecked for years. Leaders who haven’t undergone training to navigate workplace dynamics are often unaware of how their words and actions impact team morale.

Bridging the Gaps in Leadership Development

Civility training fills a critical gap in leadership development. While most manufacturing leaders rise through the ranks due to technical expertise, few receive structured communication, conflict resolution, or workplace culture training. As a result, incivility, whether in the form of dismissive responses, public criticism, or exclusionary behaviors, becomes ingrained in the workplace culture, driving away the very talent manufacturers are desperate to retain.

The solution isn’t micromanaging behavior or enforcing rigid rules; it’s giving leaders the tools to create better workplace environments where accountability and respect go hand in hand. Through targeted civility training, leaders learn to:

  • Recognize how their communication style impacts engagement.
  • Shift from reactive leadership to proactive coaching and leading with purpose.
  • Set clear expectations for respectful interactions.
  • Address incivility in the moment without avoiding difficult conversations or escalating tension.

The best part? This shift doesn’t require sweeping policy changes; it starts with small, consistent actions. A simple habit like pausing before responding or acknowledging contributions in team meetings can create a ripple effect across the organization. Leaders who take the time to build trust create teams that perform at a higher level not because they have to, but because they want to.

Building Civility into Leadership Development

Manufacturers who invest in civility training aren’t just preventing problems; they’re building the foundation for more impactful leadership, better collaboration, and a workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent. In an industry facing massive workforce shifts, that’s not just a nice-to-have—it’s a competitive advantage.

Double E Workplace Solutions equips organizations with training and tools to turn civility into a competitive advantage. Let’s build a workplace where talent stays, teams thrive, and productivity soars. Contact us today to get started.