How to Deal with Workplace Negativity

Workplace negativity is like a virus. It starts with just one ill employee, and before you know it, everyone else is down with flu. Negativity leads to disengagement, performance decline and overall decrease in productivity. Such negativity in your office space in Arlington, VA has huge effects on employers, employees, business relations and ultimately the company in general.

However, positivity and enthusiasm can spread just as quickly. So, instead of blaming yourself or pointing fingers at others, you might want to dig deeper into the core of the problem. There are certain areas that, when changed, may actually lead the entire team to the positive side of the scale.

Rules and Roles – Change the habit of constantly changing rules, because this only creates confusion and chaos among people involved. If rules are constantly changed, then roles become ambiguous. As a result, there will be lack of accountability, and people will simply point fingers at others.

Work and Play – Even if the office is a place of work and serious business, it does not mean that everything should be all about work. Do not make things too serious all the time. One way of eliminating discomfort and negativity among team members is through opportunities for fun. Whether it’s a simple weekly lunch, company outing, holiday celebration and the like, integrating fun into the workplace will foster camaraderie among colleagues and build healthy relationships. Do not overwork yourself. If it’s time for lunch or break, take the opportunity to mingle with your colleagues and enjoy a good laugh.

Problems – There is no perfect work environment; problems are a normal part of the business. Actually, these even challenges people to be creative and innovative, breaking the monotony of everyday work. However, if the same problem arises all the time, then you are not going in to the main source of the issue. If you need to change how your business operates or simply tweak your strategies to come up with a good solution, do so.

Communication – Always maintain open communication. Listen to others’ suggestions and ides, because when one is left out, that person will feel isolated, discounted and unappreciated, and may trigger him to simply walk out for good. If everyone needs to be involved, then involve everyone.

Negativity in the workplace, especially for start-ups, is very common. It will arise every now and then, but it is every team member’s responsibility to not dwell in it. If you are searching for effective workplace solutions in Arlington, VA, you can rely on Metro Offices any time.

Kathlene Buchanan

As the founder of Metro Offices, she has championed workspace innovation since 1989, inspired by the creativity and drive of their 30,000+ clients. Woman-owned and locally focused, the company tailors its spaces to meet the unique needs of every business.

tags: Office Space