It takes a complex set of variables to create the right ambience in the workplace and negativity can come in many forms. Much like a rotten one in a bucketful of healthy apples. Negativity can flourish if left to its own devices and that can lead to serious problems. Here are a few tips on how to minimise negativity in the workplace.
1. Treat Everyone Equally
When a boss blatantly favours a particular employee, this does nothing to promote an inclusive environment; nothing might be said when one employee deliberately flouts the rules and gets away with it.
Leading by example is by far the best way to get the most out of a workforce and whether a sales manager or your office cleaner, you should respect everyone. If you would like a free HR assessment, contact a leading HR services provider and them carry out a needs assessment.
2. Promote Collaboration & Dialogue
If people work in an environment where dialogue is promoted and they feel they can speak their mind, any minor issues would likely be revealed. When holding staff meetings, do all employees get a chance to speak? If not, this should be addressed; in the event something negative emerges, don’t ignore it, rather get to the bottom of it and find a resolution.
3. Create An Open-Door Policy
As the CEO, you should make it known that your door is always open to all employees; when the boss is very approachable, employees are happy to have some constructive dialogue concerning something they have an issue with. It is crucial that employees can speak their mind without fear of retribution, and it should be a priority for every business owner.
In the event you don’t have the time for individual employee meetings, talk to leading outsourced HR providers that cover your sector; they can help by creating inclusive initiatives and policies to promote inclusivity.
4. Recognise & Reward Good Performance
Negativity cannot exist in a positive environment and when you have your monthly staff meeting, take a look at employee performance and select workers that have gone the extra mile. Employee of the month is a great way to reward workers who go above and beyond what is expected of them and be prepared to offer prizes.
5. Establish Trust
It is important to create trust with your employees; people respond well to being given more freedom and responsibility. Rather than checking on employees to see that they are doing what they should be, give them the freedom that comes with additional responsibility and watch employees thrive.
If people feel they are being monitored, this can have a negative impact on how they see their role within the organisation. If you talk to successful business owners, you will find that all of them place a high level of trust in their workforce.
6. Recognise Your Own Failings/Shortcomings
When employees see you openly admit to mistakes or shortcomings, this raises their opinion of you and that sets a positive example for others to follow. It takes a lot to admit to making an error and when you do, your employees take that onboard. Passing the buck sends the wrong message; be honest when falling short and the pros far outweigh the cons.
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Negativity is often the result of specific employees’ behaviour and every case should be investigated to reveal the cause of the negativity. Sometimes, all it takes is a friendly word with an employee to end negative rumours and when someone confides in you, never compromise them, otherwise they will feel betrayed.
Main image source: Unsplash
HR Future Staff Writer
