How to Manage Poor Attitudes and Negativity in the Workplace

How to Manage POOR ATTITUDES & NEGATIVITY IN THE WORKPLACE 3:00 Research shows employees' moods, emotions, and overall dispositions have an impact on: Creativity Decision making Job Leadership performance Negotiations Teamwork Turnover People with negative attitudes have a more lasting impact than people with positive ones. It's not just about what we say. • Facial expressions and body language can influence our thoughts and behaviors. • Co-workers can pick up on these hidden signs. People with negative moods and attitudes devote extra time and energy to the mood, which can hinder job performance. People with negative attitudes are at a greater risk of developing heart disease and other health-related problems. A 2015 CareerBuilder survey found that 77% of employees have witnessed some type of childish behavior among colleagues in the workplace. WHAT EMPLOYEES HAVE TO SAY: When asked which child-like behaviors they've witnessed colleagues display in the workplace, workers gave the following answers: Whine Pout over Tattle on another co-worker Play a prank on another co-worker Make a face behind something that didn't go his/her way 46% 55% someone's 44% 36% back 35% Form a Start a rumor Storm out of the room 29% Throw a Refuse to clique 32% about a co-worker share resources with others tantrum 27% 30% 23% WHAT EMPLOYERS HAVE TO SAY: Employers reported the following observations of one or more employees: Company owner threw tantrums, yelled and slammed doors when he Employee hid to get away from duties and work Employee intentionally set Employee ate other employees" food from the company refrigerator. up a co-worker to get him/her in responsibilities. didn't get his way. trouble. Employee blocked parking spots to prevent other employees from parking closer to the front door. Employee gossiped about all of his direct Employee constantly pulled up inappropriate content on her Employee went to lunch and never reports, then pretended to be their advocate. came back. cell phone and showed it to her "clique." Of the top behaviors that hurt an employee's chances for promotion, employers say having a poor attitude takes the number one spot: Using Having a negative or pessimistic attitude 62% Regularly showing up to work late vulgar language 51% Regularly leaving work early 49% 62% Taking too many sick days 49% Gossiping 44% Spending office time on personal social media accounts 39% Neglecting to clean up after himself/herself Always initiating non-work-related Taking personal calls at work 24% Taking smoke conversations with co-workers breaks 19% 36% 27% How to identify and conquer negative WORKPLACE ATTITUDES TO EMPLOYEES: IF YOU FEEL ANGRY • Get some distance from the situation, go for a walk, or slowly count from 1 to 10. • Once you've taken a short break, pinpoint the exact reason you're angry. • Rather than blow up at a co-worker, pull that person aside and communicate why you're upset and discuss how to keep that situation from recurring. IF YOU FEEL INADEQUATE • This feeling often stems from a lack of skills or experience. • Decide to work on your skills, find a mentor, take seminars-do whatever you can to bump up your confidence. IF YOU FEEL REJECTED • Recognize you may be interpreting the situation incorrectly. • It's okay to ask for clarification, IF YOU FEEL FRUSTRATED • If you have a solid plan and appropriate behavior to achieve a specific goal, exercise some patience. • Let go of your current results and concentrate on improving them in the future. IF YOU FEEL STRESSED • Take the time to prioritize. • Do what's important rather than what's urgent. IF YOU AREN'T HAPPY AT WORK, TAKE SOME POSITIVE ACTIONS TO FEEL BETTER: PERSONALIZE YOUR WORK SPACE: • Dress up your space with things that make you happy like family pictures, office-appropriate mementos, and calming colors (such as cool blues and greens). • Keep your desk clutter-free to reduce stress. • Add a few plants to your desk for an easy pick-me-up. TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT • Ask for specific help from your supervisor or boss. • Plan monthly and annual goals. BE REALISTIC ABOUT COMMITMENTS • Keep track of your commitments, deadlines, and if and when you ever miss a deadline. IIII APRIL • Notice when your workload surpasses the amount of time and energy you have. • This solid plan shows you are not slacking, but that you may be overextending yourself. • Make a plan to ask your supervisor for help when necessary. TO EMPLOYERS: ESTABLISH A SOLID RELATIONSHIP WITH EACH EMPLOYEE FROM THE START Make it clear you're there for your employees, but keep it formal and friendly rather than too personal. KEEP YOUR EYES AND EARS OPEN • Pay attention to any instances of anxiety or arguing. • Be attentive when employees are out of sorts. • Address concerns on a one-on-one basis. MAKE YOUR EXPECTATIONS CLEAR • Establish early on that negativity is not condoned at your company. • Set ground rules for workplace conduct, HOLD REGULAR MEETINGS • Give employees opportunities to voice feelings and concerns. • Regular staff meetings allow you to address employee issues before they turn into major problems. LEAD WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE Positive emotions are contagious. A positive attitude can buffer negativity in the office and help you stand out amongst your fellow employees. Negative attitudes can have a real, lasting impact on employees and office productivity. Both as employees and employers, it's important to recognize poor attitudes and to work toward turning them around. knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu • businessinsider.com • woman.thenest.com careerbuilder.com • work.chron.com • humanresources.about.com smallbusiness.chron.com • forbes.com • hvacrbusiness.com • www.inc.com Designed by Ghergich & Co. Quill.om A small part of your job is 100% of ours.