In my role as a consultant, I've steered clients through an array of employee relations challenges, from investigations to inappropriate managerial conduct and even instances of employee theft. Typically, these incidents involve isolated individuals whose actions impact their immediate team rather than the broader organization. However, a recent client engagement has presented a more pervasive issue — workplace negativity.
As the title of this blog implies, this client is grappling with a challenge that has permeated their organization. Despite nearly a decade in business, offering competitive pay, benefits, and fostering a family-like culture, they now find themselves tiptoeing around team members. Minor inconveniences escalate into tense exchanges. How did this transpire? The straightforward answer lies in allowing negativity to linger unaddressed for an extended period. Hiring individuals who didn't align with the organizational culture and retaining underperformers created an environment where negativity became a daily occurrence, eventually spreading across the workforce and fostering resentment towards management.
The solution isn't as simple as terminating those deemed negative or poor performers; workplace negativity is a nuanced issue, a common human experience that, if mishandled, can lead to a toxic work environment. In this blog, inspired by insights from a recent Forbes article, we'll explore five effective strategies for addressing and mitigating workplace negativity. Let's delve into these strategies and explore how they can be applied to promote a positive workplace culture.
Negativity is a pervasive force, and the first step to address it is to recognize when it occurs. People resistant to progress and change often manifest their views through phrases like "We've tried that before" or "That'll never work here." Instead of dismissing suggestions outright, collaboration and building upon each other's ideas lay the foundation for lasting solutions. It is crucial to identify negativity in real-time, given its prevalence not only in the workplace but also in various aspects of life, from home to politics and especially on social media.
Once negativity is recognized, it is essential to focus on personal emotions and behaviors. Negative individuals often seek to draw others into their pessimism, as misery loves company. They may use questions like "Don't you think this is going to be difficult?" to appeal to sensibilities. The key is to maintain positivity by revisiting the purpose and reasoning behind actions. Avoid getting drawn into negative conversations and arguments. By doing so, you not only preserve your own well-being but also contribute to a more positive workplace atmosphere.
When faced with negativity about others' positivity, it's crucial not to passively go along with it. Instead, address the behavior directly by asking questions like "Have you talked to them about this?" or "Do you know why this is happening?" This approach challenges the negativity by ensuring that those expressing it have a full understanding of the situation. Many times, negative individuals lack complete information and may only possess their version of events. Encouraging open communication can help dispel misunderstandings and promote a more constructive dialogue.
Some individuals persist in negativity, resistant to change. In such cases, it becomes crucial to recognize when efforts to counteract negativity are futile. Refusing to let negative individuals waste your time is a strategic decision. Just as the article suggests, there are instances where it's best to acknowledge that you cannot change someone's mindset and focus on moving forward.
The most important tip in combating workplace negativity is to remember that you are not at fault. Negative individuals may challenge your positivity, causing you to question your approach. It's crucial to differentiate between constructive criticism and baseless negativity. While openness to feedback is valuable, entertaining those solely interested in tearing you down is counterproductive. Maintaining confidence in your positive outlook is key to navigating workplace negativity successfully.
In conclusion, addressing workplace negativity is an ongoing effort that requires a combination of awareness, resilience, and strategic responses. By recognizing, confronting, and ultimately disengaging from negativity, individuals can contribute to a more positive and productive work environment. Remembering that maintaining a positive outlook is not a fault but a strength is vital in promoting a workplace culture that values collaboration, innovation, and mutual support.
Alex Vial
HR Advisor, HR Services
Alex obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a focus in Human Resource Management from The University of New Orleans. He has worked in a variety of industries, including not-for-profit organizations, Telecommunications/IT, and Solar/Renewables. In his career, he has focused on human resource and legal compliance for companies operating in multiple states, Professional Development and employee trainings, employee engagement, onboarding, offboarding, and conflict resolution. Alex believes the best part of HR is helping companies create pro-employee cultures, increasing retention and reducing recruiting costs. Alex loves tackling new challenges on behalf of his customers at empact and Crescent.
His personal philosophy is “The obstacle in the path becomes the path. Within every obstacle is an opportunity to improve our condition.” – Ryan Holiday