How to Address Rudeness in the Workplace—Even in a Remote Setting

We are a social species. Since the beginning of human existence, our survival has depended on cooperation and community. Alone, we are vulnerable; together, we thrive. This fundamental truth is reflected in how our bodies respond to relationships—strong, positive connections contribute significantly to better mental and physical health.

So, if we’re biologically and socially incentivized to be good to one another, why is rudeness in the workplace so common? Whether it’s a sarcastic email, a dismissive comment in a meeting, or a coworker ignoring your message, workplace incivility is an issue that can quietly erode a team’s morale and productivity.

In remote work, rudeness can be even more insidious. Without in-person social cues and peer pressure to maintain respect, miscommunications and unintentional slights become more common. As remote work continues to solidify itself as a long-term reality, addressing rudeness in virtual workplaces is more important than ever.

What Does Rudeness Look Like at Work?

Rudeness in the workplace isn’t always obvious. It’s not just about raised voices or outright insults. Often, it’s the small, everyday behaviors that create a culture of incivility—interrupting someone mid-sentence, ignoring messages, or subtly dismissing a colleague’s contributions. These moments, though minor in isolation, add up over time, creating an environment where people feel disrespected or undervalued.

Common Types of Workplace Rudeness

In traditional office settings, rudeness can take many forms. It may be as blatant as talking over colleagues during meetings or as subtle as a manager taking credit for an employee’s work. Other common examples include condescending remarks, ignoring direct questions, swearing in frustration, or using passive-aggressive language in emails.

How Rudeness Manifests in Remote Work

Remote work environments introduce new challenges in workplace etiquette. Without face-to-face interaction, employees rely heavily on written communication, where tone and intent can easily be misinterpreted. A sarcastic comment on Slack, a late-night email expecting an immediate response, or repeatedly canceling virtual meetings at the last minute can all come across as dismissive or rude. The absence of body language and casual office chatter makes it harder to smooth over small misunderstandings, making intentional respect even more critical.

The Hidden Costs of Rudeness in the Workplace

Workplace rudeness doesn’t just create an unpleasant atmosphere—it has tangible effects on employees’ mental health, job satisfaction, and overall productivity. Even minor incivilities, when experienced regularly, can have lasting consequences.

Increased Stress and Burnout

Experiencing rudeness at work—especially on a regular basis—elevates stress levels. Employees who feel disrespected may become anxious before meetings, overanalyze interactions, or struggle to concentrate. Over time, this leads to burnout, causing exhaustion, irritability, and decreased motivation.

Decreased Job Satisfaction and Engagement

A toxic work environment, even one shaped by subtle rudeness, directly impacts job satisfaction. When employees feel unappreciated or dismissed, they disengage, becoming less willing to contribute ideas, take initiative, or go the extra mile. This disengagement can quickly spread, leading to an unmotivated workforce.

Breakdown of Team Collaboration

When workplace rudeness becomes common, teamwork suffers. Employees avoid those who have been rude to them, creating silos and reducing open collaboration. This leads to slower decision-making, fewer innovative ideas, and a general reluctance to work together.

Amplified Effects in Remote Work

In an office setting, small tensions can often be resolved through casual conversations or body language cues. But in remote work, where interactions are mostly digital, misunderstandings can fester. Without informal opportunities to smooth things over—like chatting over coffee or catching someone in the hallway—rudeness can feel more pronounced and personal.

How to Address Rudeness in the Workplace

Addressing workplace rudeness isn’t just about calling out bad behavior—it’s about creating an environment where respect is the norm. Organizations play a key role in setting this tone, but individuals also have the power to foster a culture of professionalism and empathy.

Creating a Culture of Respect at the Organizational Level

Companies must be proactive in defining and enforcing respectful workplace norms. This starts with leadership setting clear expectations for professional behavior. A documented code of conduct, integrated into company values, helps establish these guidelines. But policies alone aren’t enough—leaders must actively embody and reinforce respectful communication.

Strengthening Workplace Relationships to Reduce Rudeness

In remote teams, where employees may never meet in person, fostering camaraderie is essential. At X-Team, we strengthen team bonds through initiatives like Seasons and Games, which provide opportunities for employees to connect beyond work-related discussions. Encouraging small talk before meetings, recognizing team members' contributions, and hosting informal virtual gatherings can all contribute to a more positive and respectful work environment.

How Individuals Can Navigate Workplace Rudeness

While companies can shape workplace culture, individuals also have the ability to influence how they respond to rudeness. Addressing incivility doesn’t always mean confrontation—it often starts with shifting perspective and communication strategies.

Assume Good Intentions First

Many workplace conflicts stem from miscommunication rather than deliberate rudeness. A seemingly curt message might be the result of a stressful deadline, not personal disregard. Before reacting, consider whether the behavior was intentional or a simple misunderstanding. Giving colleagues the benefit of the doubt can prevent unnecessary friction.

Address the Issue with a Calm Conversation

If rudeness persists, addressing it directly—but diplomatically—can make a difference. Rather than accusing a colleague of being disrespectful, focus on how their actions made you feel. For example:

"I felt overlooked in the meeting when my suggestion wasn’t acknowledged. I’d love to hear your thoughts on how we can improve collaboration."

This approach keeps the conversation constructive while making the other person aware of the impact of their actions.

Seek Managerial or HR Support if Needed

If direct conversations don’t resolve the issue, escalating the concern to a manager or HR representative is a valid next step. Persistent workplace rudeness shouldn’t be ignored, especially if it negatively affects team morale or productivity.

Set Boundaries to Protect Your Well-Being

If a colleague’s behavior is persistently rude, setting boundaries can help minimize stress. Keeping interactions professional but brief, limiting communication to essential work matters, and focusing on positive relationships within the team can all help create a buffer against negativity.

Addressing Rudeness in Remote Workplaces

Remote work introduces unique challenges in addressing rudeness, but it also provides opportunities to be more intentional about communication and workplace culture.

Clarify Communication to Avoid Misinterpretations

Without tone and body language, written messages can easily be misread. Taking the time to phrase messages clearly, use tone indicators, or add emojis where appropriate can help convey intent accurately.

Respect Time Zones and Work-Life Balance

Expecting colleagues to be available at all hours—whether through late-night emails or urgent messages—can be perceived as dismissive of their time. Setting clear expectations for response times and respecting work-life boundaries fosters a more considerate work environment.

Use Video Calls for Sensitive Conversations

When addressing potential conflicts, face-to-face communication (even virtually) is more effective than text. Video calls allow for tone and expression to come through, reducing the chances of further misunderstandings.

Creating a More Respectful Workplace—One Interaction at a Time

Rudeness in the workplace—whether in-office or remote—can have lasting effects on employee well-being and company culture. But organizations that prioritize respect, empathy, and strong communication can significantly reduce workplace incivility.

By fostering a culture of professionalism, strengthening workplace relationships, and addressing incivility head-on, we can create work environments where everyone feels valued and heard. And in a world where remote work is here to stay, that effort matters more than ever.