Negativity in Your Company
by Dera DeRoche-Jolet

Nothing affects employee morale more than constant negativity. Negativity manifests itself in the thoughts and attitudes of either one person or a group of people reacting to a company decision or event.

When those people start talking amongst themselves it becomes like a cancer that quickly spreads. Negativity drains the energy of the company, undermines management, eats away at unity and pride, and diminishes an employee’s work and performance.

Any changes such as work hours, pay, benefits, overtime hours, dress codes, travel, job requirements, and working conditions all have an impact on employee’s lives and attitudes.

For instance, some employees may feel that they give the company more than they receive in return or they may feel that a coworker was passed over for a promotion. Maybe the company made a decision that affected employees personally or a misunderstanding arose about a new company policy. Maybe some employees feel they are being overlooked by management or feel insecure because there are rumors circulating about an impending layoff.

Knowing which of your employees are being negative and the nature of the problem is vital in finding a solution. But the best way to fight negativity is to keep it from occurring in the first place. Following are some additional guidelines will help you reduce negativity at your company.

• Provide appropriate pay, benefits and recognition so employees feel that their contribution to the company is important.

• Allow employees who seek advancement, the opportunity to grow and develop. Providing training and opportunities for promotions show your company’s commitment. When employees feel they are in a dead-end job, they lose their enthusiasm.

• Share your company’s mission, vision, values, and goals. If employees understand the direction, they will be more apt to “go the extra mile.”

• Let employees have input and make decisions about their own job. Almost any corporate decision that doesn’t involve the person doing the work will be perceived as negative. However, if employees are part of the process or come up with changes themselves, their negativity will decrease.

• Develop and publicize workplace policies, procedures and changes. Allow people to express their opinion about them and respond immediately to questions and concerns. By giving people in the company the information and facts they need, there will be less of a chance that rumors will start or they’ll listen to them.

• Treat employees fairly and with consistency. Do not create new rules for all employees, when just a few people are the problem.

• Don’t tell one department of decisions before you tell others.

• Before further problems erupt, tell negative employees how their behavior affects everyone’s work and how it makes others feel.

It’s up to you to help make the atmosphere at the company more upbeat, productive and supportive. So don’t be negative – you can do it!