Negativity is an unavoidable part of life. While it would be ideal if everyone were always happy and positive, it just isn’t realistic. Negative attitudes among staff can arise from various factors, including personal issues like mental health struggles or a lack of fulfilment in their roles.
Negative behaviour can manifest in various ways, such as being uncooperative, tardy, constantly complaining, poor customer service or colleague relationships.
When it comes to negativity in the workplace, the way they are addressed can have a significant impact on the work environment, the other staff and the success of the business.
Nipping issues in the bud is always advisable to stop the issue from escalating and impact the wider team and business success.
Adverse Effects of Negativity in the Workplace
A common consequence of negative attitudes in the workplace is reduced productivity. When employees lack positive emotional investment in their company, their output often declines.
Unchecked negative attitudes can create a toxic cycle: negativity breeds disengagement, which leads to poor performance and a lack of purpose, reinforcing the negativity. If left unaddressed, this can spread to other employees, harming morale and disrupting the business.
Get off to a positive start
Fostering a positive work environment from the outset for an employee is a crucial part of preventing negative attitudes. Ensure on when taking on a new employee that you undertake proper onboarding, set clear goals, and helping them to feel welcomed to encourage a more engaged and productive workforce.
Finding the Root cause
If negative attitudes do arise during the course of employment it is important to uncover the root cause of the issue.
Set up a one-to-one confidential meeting as soon as possible at a convenient time for both parties, keeping the conversation casual if possible. Approach the issue with empathy rather than accusation, acknowledging that it may be a sensitive topic.
Communicate the specific behaviours you’ve observed, be honest and approach the conversation with kindness, as a sympathetic ear and the opportunity to vent might be all that’s needed.
Discovering a resolution together
Once you’ve identified the issue, the next step is to work together on finding a resolution. Following this set up regular check- ins, provide positive reinforcement, and constructive feedback in the check-ins. This process will help both you and the employee track improvements and assess the effectiveness of any implemented strategies.
Turning negativity around
A negative attitude can have severe consequences for your business, including damaging customer relations and organisational culture. Employees should positively represent your brand and values at all times.
Being able to turn a negative experience into a positive one can significantly improve an employee’s experience and strengthen your team. By focusing on both successful employees and those struggling, you can foster a more cohesive and resilient team leading to more successful business outcomes.
For further assistance, contact us or email us at info@saxonhrconsultancy.co.uk or call 01795 390010.