Nothing affects employee morale more insidiously than persistent workplace negativity.

Negativity can occur in the attitude, outlook, and talk of one department member, or in a crescendo of voices responding to a workplace decision or event.

The best way to combat workplace negativity is to keep it from happening in the first place.

Here are 5 tips we hope can help Managers minimize workplace negativity if it already exists;

1. Provide opportunities for people to make decisions about their jobs. Any decision that excludes the input of the person doing the work is perceived as negative.
2. Let there be freedom of expression and opinion about a change in workplace policies and procedures. Provide timely, proactive responses to questions and concerns.
3. Treat people as adults with fairness and consistency. Avoid favoritism by applying the same standard of accountability and system of rewards on all employees.
4. Provide credible leadership. People make better decisions for your business when you empower them with the information they need to make decisions that strategically align with your overall direction.
5. Provide appropriate rewards and recognition so people feel their contribution is valued. The power of appropriate rewards and recognition for a positive workplace is remarkable.

As a manager you are closely in touch with employees throughout the company, it is important that you identify the symptoms of negativity before it’s consequences damage your workplace.

Have you been able to minimize negativity/toxicity at your workplace?

How did you surmount this?

We’d love to hear from you.