Impact of Workplace Negativity
Workplace negativity is an increasing problem today and often results in loss of confidence, control, and harmony among peers. This lockdown has changed lives, changed people, and transformed personal and professional life to a great extent, and this negativity can significantly impact morale and productivity. To help curb this problem, here are seven ways by which you can minimize negativity in your workplace.
1. Praise and Recognition
The power of a few kind words or praise is remarkable and can uplift anyone’s mood and motivate them to work harder and better. Compliments act as a reward system in our brain, much like chocolates to the baby. While one can’t always tell how the other person feels, a few kind words can make anyone happy and cheerful. It is somehow natural to be a miser when it comes to offering compliments. It would help if you noticed the excellent work done by your colleagues, your team members, and even your family and friends and lavish them with words like thank-you and excellent.
2. Open Communication
More often than not, ineffective communication practices in the workplace are the root cause of frustration and negativity. Instead of showering angry words up at a coworker, take them aside and communicate why you’re stressed or upset and discuss how to prevent it from recurring. It will enable you to distress, calm down and look at things with a fresher viewpoint. It is essential to have a shared understanding of the work to be done and the other person understanding the end goal.
3. Building a Solid Company Culture
Every organization has a set of core values. You must ensure everyone is aligned on these core values. It would lead to higher productivity as well as a higher motivation among employees. Senior management must be mindful of these values and communicate the same consistency throughout the organization. Building a culture takes time, but it offers substantial benefits. Values and culture form the background of the family and society. Cultivating a traditional family value adds to the strength of the family.
4. Opportunities to Express Opinions
Factors like pay, job location, working hours, working conditions, overtime hours, dress code, etc., are essential to every individual. Changes in these areas, especially when you are not part of the change, can result in serious questions, negative responses, and concerns. To help minimize friction due to changing policies, organizing meetings at regular intervals helps everyone voice opinions. Regular discussions help address any issues before they turn into significant problems. The same is true at home as well. It is also essential to give children a platform to voice their opinion and felt heard. The final choice can, of course, be with the parent. It will bring about a massive energy shift. It adds a ring of empowerment and confidence to people.
5. Recreational Facilities
According to the India Employee Survey, 22% of respondents felt that their productivity was low because of overwork and stress (reference). Creating a games room with fun games like a pool table, chess, karaoke, carrom, and even gaming consoles helps people enjoy and take breaks to feel rejuvenated. It will enhance and enrich the bonding and spread positivity. A break now and then also helps your brain recalibrate from stress to Zen mode.
6. Offer More than Just Money
A study conducted by Princeton University in 2010 indicated that higher income increases happiness only up to $ 75,000 per year (reference). However, beyond that threshold, higher income doesn’t increase happiness. Various other factors come into play. At workplaces, employees value the following:
- New challenges to tackle
- Meaningful work which can make employees feel that they are making a difference
- Visibility for consistent performers
- Diversity among the workforce
- Creative perks such as free gym memberships, family vacation, etc.
By ensuring that these factors are incorporated, one can improve morale and create higher productivity at work.
7. Personalizing Workspace
If you aren’t feeling happy at work, it will show on the job. Nowadays, with work from home options, you can claim an area as your workspace, spruce it up with your favorite books, family pictures, table plants, or merchandise of their favorite brands. Calming colors such as shades of blue or green can spread optimistic vibes. You can also keep their desks clutter-free as it alleviates stress.
Negative attitudes can have a long-lasting and adverse impact on your workflow and office productivity. On the other hand, focusing on positive stories and wins, focusing on group values go a long way in bringing out the best version of you; Version 2.0.
For more inspiration, ideas, tools and tips, continue reading more at my blog!