Tips for Minimizing Workplace Negativity

Rolling Plans Pvt. Ltd. Dec 6, 2024 695 0

Even though the trend of remote working has embarked upon many organizations, there is still traditional 9-5 jobs existing around the globe. Be it hybrid working module, remote working or traditional work methodology, there should be inclusive and happy workplace culture. In this hopping modern workplace atmosphere, one of the looming challenges that leaders and employees face is workplace negativity. 

 

Workplace negativity is one of the major issues that organizations face that can amplify in the whole organization even causing bush-league financial consequences to the organization. Workplace negativity affects employee well-being rupturing the team dynamics crippling the organizational success and workplace productivity. From jaundiced office gossips to unmotivated employees, this aroma of black cloud impacts everyone and everything in the organization. Workplace negativity can emerge from mini misunderstandings, communication and information gap, personal grudges, and many more. 

 

That's why positive and inclusive workplace culture is must for:

 

i) Overall employee productivity and creativity 

 

ii) Compelling employee retention rate 

 

iii) Collaborative atmosphere amongst employees 

 

iv) Sustained company brand, image and reputation 

 

v) Timely deadlines' achievement 

 

vi) Healthy and productive employees 

 

vii) Team collaboration 

 

viii) Mutual trust and understanding amongst employees

 

ix) Free flow of information 

 

x) Growth culture 

 

When workplace negativity is not eradicated or controlled on time, many negative consequences may occur such as: 

 

i) No motivation/loss of confidence 

 

ii) Burnt out issues, stress and mental pressures 

 

iii) No reward and recognition to deserved employees

 

iv) Illogical office gossips and fallacious rumors 

 

v) Frequent conflicts among team members 

 

vi) Many more negative impacts 

 

 

Tips for Minimizing Workplace Negativity 

 

Workplace negativity not only threatens the employee productivity but also other stakeholders' confidence and reputations too. Hence, certain measures should be adopted to reduce or expunge workplace negativity. Let's dig into some of the points to minimize workplace negativity such as: 

 

1. Pinpoint the cause of the negativity 

 

As a leader or the team head of the department, you should observe and identify the root cause of the negativity. What main factor is causing this? Understand the sagaciousness of the situation with further observation and investigation. Employee interactions and one-on-one meetings are best for identifying the primal cause of workplace negativity. 

 

 

2. Create a positive and inclusive workplace atmosphere 

 

A workplace with severe discrimination, nepotism and favoritism is a place where good and honest employees do not exist for longer time. There is always a stressful environment in such type of workplaces. If everyone is treated with respect and the concept of DEI is practiced in such workplaces, workplace negativity can be minimized.

 

 

3. Encourage open communication networks 

 

Open dialogue is a must-to-do task by workplace leaders and managers. With the established trust and understanding only, employees can work freely in the organization. For this, regular one-on-one meetings and team check-ins should be encouraged. You should prefer active listening, validate employees' feelings and set up interactive platform for every employee so that they can openly share their concerns and feelings keeping no hard feelings within oneself. 

 

 

4. Understand the people's needs and expectations 

 

Firstly, all the employees must be clear about their specific rules and responsibilities. Then set clear expectations amongst them. As an HR leader or team manager, one must engage their team in goal-setting procedures. Their opinions should not be taken for granted. One should understand what does a team member want for upgrading his/her professional career and workplace standards.

 

 

5. Focus on team-building activities 

 

When employers feel bored and don't feel connected with the workplace, there will be no motivation, productivity and positive atmosphere in the organization. To build up confidence amongst team members, they should feel like they are the integral part of an organization. For this, investment in training and development activities is a must. Apart from office routine works, office retreats, Friday brunches can be quite welcoming for office members. Besides, the workspace decor and surrounding with essential gadgets should also be provided. Team coordinating tasks lead to team collaboration and strengthening of understanding amongst the employees.

 

 

6. Emphasis on reward and recognition 

 

When hard work goes unrecognized, employees feel unproductive and ambitionless. With appropriate rewards, incentives and recognition, employees feel energetic motivating them to dedicate more efforts and energy towards organization. When there is no praise or recognition, employees will lack winningness for the contribution. Hence, rewards and recognition are best sources of positive motivation. 

 

 

7. Ensure career and professional growth 

 

What if an employee is working continuously for 10 years but there is no any increment in salary or upgrade in the work position? This stagnant career growth negatively impacts the employees. When there are growth opportunities addressed by employees, they get satisfied with their jobs building positive mindset and sharing the same positive mindset with colleagues as well. For this, performance appraisals should be adopted and experts should be hired for employment training programs they only, employees can see growth in their career. 

 

 

8. Be open for constructive feedback and criticism

 

It's alright to conduct T&D programs, leadership campaigns, soft skill development programs and more but what if these activities don't align with employees needs and expectations? Frame the feedback sessions in such a way where employees can showcase their views along with their recommendations. The areas for improvement should also be highlighted. Every individual and team accomplishments should be cherished and feedback should be gathered rather than opposing them.

 

 

9. Be an exemplary figure in the word place 

 

Followers follow the part of leaders. When leaders demonstrate negative attitude like anger, frustration over-excitement in front of the employees, the surrounding becomes negative. Leaders must represent strong, positive, resilient and "I can do" mindset even in any kind of challenging situations. Employees must have the feeling that failure really is not a failed attempt but the chance to upgrade and improve more. And the start of this culture begins with the leaders. 

 

 

10. "I am with you" sense of feeling 

 

Employees may feel burned out, stressed and suffer from personal and professional struggles as well. The workplace should be maintained in such a way where employees feel free to share the feelings, hidden emotional disturbances, mental trauma so that they can focus more on work than such disturbances after sharing. With emotional support, they can reduce their negative thoughts in the workplace. 

 

 

Minimizing workplace negativity is such an unescapable challenge that can occur anytime it's impact is huge. It's the responsibility of concerned stakeholders to put a full stop or a comma before it brings gargantuan consequences in the workplace. 

 

 

Be positive, be resilient, be balanced and see you, your team and your company arise to triumphant milestones!

 

 

 

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