Negative attitudes at work tend to have adverse effects on everyone. Negative behaviors such as display of rudeness, gossip, spreading of false news, being reactive, and careless attitudes toward work may seem as petty but can have a devastating impact on the employees. It may lead to reduced employee engagement, low employee morale, and resultant declining performance.
Such negative attitudes tend to cost money to the company and destroy employer branding. Toxic employees also lead to brain drain and the companies sustaining it end up with less talented employees. Negative workplace attitudes spread like viruses and are contagious enough to infect others rapidly. Before employee negativity starts affecting workplace productivity, here are the best ways to deal with negative attitudes at work:
● Start by being an ideal example – Employees always follow their leaders and imitate them. So it is imperative for the managers to set a good example by expressing positive behavioral patterns and rewarding optimism.
● Understand employee grievances – Instead of labeling employee attitudes as negative, it is important for organizations to listen and ask questions. It is important to take employee opinions and feedback seriously by addressing problems on an analytical level. And find ways to look for opportunities to coach such employees.
● Train employees – Positive brainwashing helps. Most employees do not inherently possess a pessimistic attitude but it is easy to get trapped in negativity. Leaders should impart training to influential team members to help encourage peers to inculcate positive attitudes.
● Distance from negativity – Employees who are adamant and continue to spread negativity result in the erosion of company culture. Exaggerating things results in building up of frustration and can provoke other employees to leave the organization.
● Frequent analysis – Just because management has resolved a specific issue, it does not mean it has been completely eradicated. Even if the toxic employee is no longer associated with the organization, chances are some other employee can occupy that damaging role. And continue to spread the negativity. Therefore, leaders should wipe out the problem from its root.
● Recruit positive people – Organizations should hire people that share a common professional and personal value system. Recruiting a diverse workforce is a pro, but striving for shared values should be the aim. Because establishing a positive culture forms the basis of a powerful organization.
Implement these steps and ward off negativity from the workplace.
Because a positive work environment reaps positive outcomes!