How to deal with negativity in the workplace

According to surveys done around the globe, more than 50% of employees have bad work days not because of a horrible boss, difficult customers or annoying coworkers but rather because of negativity in the work place.

When we feel negative and unmotivated, we are less likely to engage with others at work and achieve full productivity.A positive work atmosphere is the right environment to foster relationships between the company and its employees. A happy, fully engaged employee feels motivated and, therefore, is more productive.

If you are working in a negative environment where you don’t feel motivated nor engaged, your performance will most likely suffer, so is the overall morale of the company.

Here’s how to deal with negativity in the workplace:

Ask what can be done

After listening to a negative person list many reasons why something is a bad idea, or won’t work, simply ask them for positive, constructive suggestions for what can be done to help make it work. It can be helpful to suggest that negative person not talk with you again until they have some constructive



suggestions.

Encourage self-expression

Encouraging coworkers and staff to share ideas without being afraid their ideas will be ridiculed by a particularly negative member of the team helps in boosting creativity and self-confidence.

Often these situations can have unpleasant atmospheres due to fear that your ideas are going being branded stupid by a particularly negative member of the team.

Avoid Personalizing

Remember the focus is on people who are chronically negative. Negative people are negative with everyone, not just you. You need to tell yourself repeatedly that it is irrational to take anything they say personally.

By avoiding defensiveness and overreactions you will remain in control. When you are in control of your own emotions, you can confront a negative person in a positive, constructive manner.

Win people’s trust

Use positive attitudes and enthusiasm to win people’s trust. Negative attitudes make it difficult to trust others; and without trust you can’t influence positive change. Taking action to build trust will increase comfort levels and strengthen relationships.