Nothing affects employee morale more insidiously than persistent workplace negativity. It drains the energy of your organisation and diverts critical attention from work and performance. Negativity occurs in the attitude, outlook, and talk of one employee, or in a crescendo of voices responding to a workplace decision or event.
An increasing problem in the workplace, negativity is often the result of a loss of confidence, control, or community. Knowing what people are negative about is the first step in solving the problem.
In my experience, when rumblings and negativity are beginning in your organisation, talking with employees will help you understand the exact problems and the degree to which the problems are impacting your workplace. You will want to identify the exact employee groups who are experiencing the negativity, and the nature of the issues that sparked their unhappiness.
Whatever the cause of the workplace negativity, you must address the issues. Or like a dormant volcano, they will boil beneath the surface, and periodically bubble up and overflow to cause additional damage.
The best way to combat workplace negativity is to keep it from occurring in the first place. These tips will help you minimise it.
TIPS FOR EMPLOYERS
Improve communication
- Share information with employees to reduce uncertainty about their jobs and futures.
- Clearly define employees' roles and responsibilities.
- Make communication friendly and efficient, not mean-spirited or petty.
Consult your employees
- Give workers opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their jobs.
- Consult employees about scheduling and work rules.
- Be sure the workload is suitable to employees' abilities and resources; avoid unrealistic deadlines.
- Show that individual workers are valued.
Offer rewards and incentives
- Praise good work performance verbally and institutionally.
- Provide opportunities for career development.
- Promote an "entrepreneurial" work climate that gives employees more control over their work.
Cultivate a friendly social climate
- Provide opportunities for social interaction among employees.
- Establish a zero-tolerance policy for harassment.
- Make management actions consistent with organisational values.
TIPS FOR EMPLOYEES
- Before approaching a task, plan the flow of work and organise yourself before starting the work.
- Laughter is said to be the best medicine. Try to see the humor element in any situation and laugh it off rather than allowing an unpleasant situation to get to you.
- When you feel stressed or negative, try some deep-breathing exercises.
- Keep fit and eat well. A fit and healthy body leads to an agile mind that can more easily cope with negativity.
- Sharing a negative situation with friends can help to ease the stress.
- Take negativity head-on and don't allow it to get to you. Analyse the situation that is causing negativity and try to find solutions.
Finally
Take some time to analyse how well your organisation is applying these actions. They form the foundation for positive staff morale and minimised negativity in your workplace.
Simon Boulton is Director of accounting and finance recruitment practice Aequalis Consulting. He has more than 12 years of finance recruitment experience in London and Sydney, where he has launched multiple divisions for international companies. At Aequalis Consulting, he provides tailored strategies for companies in various industries to attract and retain the most talented professionals in the market. Visit www.aequalisconsulting.com.au.
