Rudeness or hostility is common to encounter at workplaces. Research shows, this is a contagious behavior, that spreads at a super-fast speed. In order to restore order and productivity, it is important to break the vicious chain of incivility at every workplace.

Some of the leading universities all over the world are conducting serious researches on rudeness at the workplace. One of such studies, conducted by Lund University psychologists, reveal

rudeness at the workplace is a massive problem that exists. Almost 75 out of every 100 people, experience this in their professional life.

Unfortunately, this problem mostly goes unnoticed. Harassment and bullying at workplaces are still reported and documented to some extent. But acts of rudeness, which is hardly much different from bullying, are reported very rarely.

Acts of Being Rude

Typical acts of rudeness, according to the study, include the following:

Intentionally excluding someone from the loop while sharing an information

“ Forgetting ” to invite someone to a community event

” to invite someone to a community event Taking credit for work done by others

Spreading rumors about a college

Denying subordinates of praises they deserve

Sending hateful and nasty emails

According to the researchers involved in this study, if rudeness at the workplace is not put an immediate stop to, it may flare up to outright bullying. At that point, the work culture and the working environment in the organization will certainly be hampered. People with rude behavior are often the ones, who receive the least social support and attention. In the reverse order, this makes them least afraid of the negative impact on their superiors and peers.

5 Tips to Handle Rude People/Co-Workers/Boss

In order to handle rude people, you have to be a bit tricky. Remember, you have no power to control the behavior of someone else. But it is totally up to you to keep your cool, hold on to your tongue and avoid being rude in your response. Here’re some effective tips to help you deal with rude men and women effectively.

Practice equanimity: Equanimity means the ability to hold on to one’s mental calmness and composure, particularly in difficult situations. When someone suddenly behaves rudely with you and you feel upset, just count 1 to 10 and take a few deep breaths. Then, ask yourself, is it really worth to lose your cool over this issue or person?

Equanimity means the ability to hold on to one’s mental calmness and composure, particularly in difficult situations. When someone suddenly behaves rudely with you and you feel upset, just count 1 to 10 and take a few deep breaths. Then, ask yourself, is it really worth to lose your cool over this issue or person? Size up or cut down your grievance: Ask yourself, whether it is alright to let go of your emotional energy behind such a nasty incident? As you put up this question in your mind, your grievance will automatically be sized up.

Ask yourself, whether it is alright to let go of your emotional energy behind such a nasty incident? As you put up this question in your mind, your grievance will automatically be sized up. Empathy for the rude: Do not take anyone’s rudeness personally. Perhaps, that individual is having a bad day or maybe something really serious and tragic is occurring in his life that you aren’t aware of. So, treat these people with a little empathy. It is not always possible to treat them that way, but at least try doing it at one point of time or the other.

Do not take anyone’s rudeness personally. Perhaps, that individual is having a bad day or maybe something really serious and tragic is occurring in his life that you aren’t aware of. So, treat these people with a little empathy. It is not always possible to treat them that way, but at least try doing it at one point of time or the other. Lead by example: Rudeness is contagious and you should lead by example in breaking this vicious cycle.

Rudeness is contagious and you should lead by example in breaking this vicious cycle. Let it roll down your back: If you can’t handle others’ rudeness, just shrug your shoulders, let it roll down your back and walk off.

Follow these tips and you can easily deal with the rude people like your boss or co-workers.