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Though some aspects of life have managed to recover from the impact of Covid-19, the business sector will remain forever changed. While faced with a life-threatening pandemic, millions of Americans took the time to reevaluate their lives, specifically their jobs. In August 2021, 4.3 million Americans quit their jobs, according to the U.S Department of Labor. This cultural shift, coined the “Great Resignation,” will leave a lasting effect on the workplace. 

Remember when the airlines used to invite people to “fly the friendly skies?” Today, airline employees, who are just doing their jobs, are being verbally and physically assaulted by passengers. This same aggressive, sometimes violent, behavior has also invaded our workplaces. What happened to being “professional,” not to mention “nice,” to the people you work with? Incivility is rampant in the workplace today, leading to rudeness, name-calling, verbal abuse, increased tension and discord, even physical violence. This unprofessional behavior results in higher employee turnover, more absenteeism, lower productivity and profitability.

“She’s having a baby” is exciting news but also presents some unique workplace challenges. Although small businesses may not be required to comply with laws that provide protection for pregnancy and childbirth, they may find it necessary to adopt some of these guidelines in order to hire and retain female employees.