WOMEN treated rudely in the workplace counter it by working harder while men take longer breaks and more sick days, according to new research.

A study by Perth's Edith Cowan University and the University of New England, which surveyed 317 Australian white-collar workers, looked at the impact of "incivility" in the workplace, such as gossip, refusing to acknowledge colleagues, making derogatory comments to colleagues, or texting or emailing during meetings.

The research found that when women experience rude or disrespectful behaviour at work, they would not withdraw from work, while men would.

ECU senior lecturer Dr Jennifer Loh, an organisational psychologist, said women tended to place importance on good personal and social relationships with colleagues.

"Therefore when they are faced with incivility in the workplace - and this would generally be over work issues - women are more likely to attempt to work harder with the aim to improve their work relationships," she said.

She said the research found that men experiencing the same treatment would either ignore their aggressor or retaliate by withdrawing from work, either by taking frequent breaks, making excuses to get out of the office or arriving late for work.

The study also showed women were more likely to be targets of incivility, which is considered one step down from workplace bullying.

Dr Loh said this was partly due to gender inequality, with women being paid less and being less likely to be in a senior position.

"It is important to remember that all employees, including women, have a right to be treated with respect and fairness at work," she said.

"If workplace incivility is not handled properly, it can spiral and create a hostile work environment which can lead to violence."