Understanding Stress Awareness Month and Workplace Incivility

Written by Michelle Tillman-Cureton, LCMHC

Understanding Stress Awareness Month and Workplace Incivility

April marks Stress Awareness Month, a crucial time to pause and reflect on the pervasive impact of stress on our well-being—especially within today’s demanding workplaces. While a certain level of pressure can be motivating, chronic stress erodes both mental and physical health, affecting productivity, relationships, and quality of life. This year, we must move beyond simply acknowledging stress and begin addressing its root causes—particularly workplace incivility.

Workplace incivility often goes unnoticed but creates a toxic environment through subtle, disrespectful behaviors. These dynamics contribute to a cycle of stress that harms individual performance and damages team cohesion. To break this cycle, we must not only recognize incivility but also equip ourselves with tools like mindfulness, stress-reduction techniques, and open communication strategies that help foster supportive work environments. By prioritizing mental well-being, we empower ourselves—and those around us—to thrive.

The Subtle Sting: What Is Workplace Incivility?

Workplace incivility consists of low-intensity, disrespectful behaviors that may seem minor but indicate a lack of regard for others. These include quiet slights, thoughtless actions, or a failure to show basic courtesy, all of which can wear down an individual’s self-worth over time.

Dismissive comments, interrupting others, or ignoring someone's contributions may seem insignificant in the moment—but they contribute to a workplace atmosphere that feels demeaning and isolating. A common example I’ve seen is someone saying, “Oh, I didn’t see you there,” in a way that makes the other person feel invisible. Left unaddressed, these behaviors fracture collaboration and morale, increasing employee turnover as people seek workplaces where they are respected and seen.

Everyday Examples of Workplace Incivility

Incivility shows up in subtle yet harmful ways, including:

• Ignoring coworkers: Not acknowledging someone’s presence, not responding to messages, or avoiding eye contact.

• Dismissive tones: Sarcasm, condescension, or frequent interruptions that signal disrespect.

• Exclusion: Leaving someone off key emails, meetings, or withholding information vital to their work.

• Gossip and rumors: Talking negatively about colleagues behind their backs, eroding trust.

• Taking credit: Claiming others’ ideas or work without giving them credit.

• Chronic lateness: Repeatedly arriving late or being unprepared for meetings, showing disregard for others’ time.

These small acts accumulate and create an unhealthy work culture if not addressed.

The Emotional Impact of a Toxic Work Culture

Workplace incivility contributes to a toxic culture filled with negativity and mistrust. The emotional toll includes:

• Increased stress and anxiety: Constant exposure to incivility activates stress responses.

• Decreased job satisfaction: Feeling undervalued leads to disengagement and burnout.

• Erosion of self-esteem: Repeated disrespect undermines confidence and belonging.

• Mental health issues: Ongoing toxicity can contribute to depression or anxiety.

• Damaged relationships: Incivility strains communication and team cohesion.

• Physical symptoms: Chronic stress can result in headaches, sleep issues, digestive problems, and more.

The organizational costs—high turnover, low productivity, and legal risk—are equally significant.

Finding Your Anchor: Stress Relief Techniques

To manage workplace stress effectively, consider these techniques:

• Mindfulness & Meditation: Brief daily practices can reduce reactivity and enhance calm.

• Deep Breathing: Inhale deeply and exhale slowly to reduce anxiety in the moment.

• Physical Activity: Exercise boosts mood and helps process stress.

• Sleep: Prioritize 7–9 hours of rest for mental clarity and resilience.

• Time Management: Break large tasks into smaller steps and set clear priorities.

• Boundary Setting: Say no when needed to protect your time and energy.

• Social Support: Talk to friends, family, or a therapist for perspective and support.

• Enjoyable Activities: Hobbies and downtime are crucial for recovery and well-being.

• Gratitude: Reflecting on small positives can shift your mindset and reduce stress.

Everyday Stress vs. Burnout: Know the Difference

While both are stress responses, burnout is a deeper form of exhaustion:

Everyday Stress	Burnout
Overwhelmed but hopeful	Emotionally drained and disconnected
Temporary irritability or sleep issues	Chronic fatigue and helplessness
Manages with coping strategies	May require time off or professional help
Feels a sense of purpose	Feels disillusioned or negative about work

Ask yourself:

• Are you constantly exhausted?

• Has your attitude toward work changed?

• Are you making time for rest and recovery? If not, it may be time to seek support.

Practice Wellness

Stress Awareness Month reminds us to take our well-being seriously. Addressing workplace incivility is a vital part of this work. By creating supportive environments where mindfulness, communication, and compassion are core values—not afterthoughts—we build stronger teams and healthier cultures. Let’s foster workplaces where everyone feels respected, seen, and empowered to do their best.