A common threat to productivity and passion in the workplace is negativity. It’s important for HR professionals and managers to have some tools for overcoming negativity in the workplace. Studies have shown that constant exposure to negativity in the office can be destructive. Here are some tips to combat negativity and bring peace back to your office.
First and foremost, the HR department and management team need to take a look at their own behaviors and attitudes. Before you can make positive changes throughout your workplace, you first need to take a look at yourself and see if you’ve been exhibiting any negative attitudes or behaviors. Positive leaders encourage employees to be engaged in their work and the positivity that HR professionals and managers exude will rub off on everyone else in the office. One of the most important aspect of your positions as managers and HR professionals in the workplace is to set an example for your employees. This is certainly no different when it comes to turning negativity into productivity. When you start to change your own negativity by speaking more kindly and using more encouragement, your employees will respond with their own attitude shifts. Think about the changes you want to see among your employees, and make those changes within yourself. Your employees will notice and follow your lead.
Most of the time, negativity is the result of a decrease in confidence and community. Setting an example is just one part of overcoming negativity. The management team and HR department also needs to set the stage. Positivity can’t thrive unless the environment supports it. Establish workplace practices that will boost your employees’ confidence. Employees who are feeling insecure or unsure of themselves tend to lean more towards negative attitudes as that insecurity starts to manifest itself. On the other hand, employees who are confident tend to be more enthusiastic and driven. Additionally, HR professionals and managers should foster a sense of community in the workplace so that your employees will really feel like they belong.
It’s also important for management and HR to confront negativity head on as soon as it happens but how you do this will make all the difference. Being called out in the middle of the office is never fun and could lead to resentment and more negativity. If you really want to change an employee’s attitude, take them aside and discuss the issue in private. Make sure that they understand how this kind of negative behavior affects the rest of the team. You’ll also want to take this time to stop and listen to what the employee has to say. You might find that their negativity has been sparked by a legitimate problem that you can help them with.
Negativity in the workplace doesn’t happen all at once. Keep your eyes open and try to correct any negative behaviors or attitudes that you notice right away, yourself included. Before you know it, your workplace environment will be transformed into a paradise of positivity.
