5 Tips for Dealing with Negative Employees in the Workplace
Have you ever had to deal with negativity in the workplace as a manager? A negative work environment can limit productivity and inspiration. Don’t limit yourself and learn how to deal with negative workplace situations. Our HR consulting firm is here to give you some tips to help you handle workplace negativity.
Tip # 1
Try to determine what’s causing the negative behavior.
In order to solve a problem, you have to get to the root of it first. Don't assume you know the cause of the negative behavior. Take the time to understand what’s going on in your place of business. There could be some sort of personal issue, such as the employee has a death in the family. Be understanding and sensitive to their problems and realize that everyone is human. Talk to the employee in private, to see if you can determine the root cause(s) of their negative behavior. Empathy is the key.
Tip # 2
LISTEN to your employees.
Have an open-door policy and create a workplace environment that your employees can feel comfortable expressing their concerns to you in. If you are constantly acting like you don’t have time for your employees, that could cause even more negativity problems. If you are worried about time management issues, try stating “office hours for open expression,” such as from 2-4 p.m. every day, your door could be open and you could be ready to hear your employees out about issues they think may be affecting the work environment.
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” - Stephen R. Covey
Tip # 3
Make figuring out a solution your focus.
When dealing with the employee who is exhibiting negative behaviors, don’t only focus on “the bad.” Point out what they are doing right within your company, as well. If you only tell them what they are doing wrong, their motivation level could continue to deteriorate. This could potentially be a very good employee with the right guidance from you.
Tip # 4
Don’t punish the MANY because of the FEW.
Just because one employee did something wrong and caused drama and negativity within the workplace, doesn’t mean you have to punish everyone. Don’t react impulsively by setting a new policy for everyone to follow due to the actions of one person.
Tip # 5
Keep the problem contained.
Negativity can be contagious. Once you know where the negative behavior is beginning, reach out to that particular employee and listen to their concerns. Try to help in any way you can. Be sure that they feel heard and try guiding them in a direction that allows for more positivity. Treat them how you’d want to be treated if you were in their situation. Bottom line - do what’s best for your business.
“Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one.” – Hans Selye
Kmet Consulting is ready to help you with your HR needs. Our job is to understand your business and part of that is learning more about what is driving the negativity and helping you to come up with solutions to instill more productivity and less negativity. Our HR consulting company understands that no two business are alike, which means their HR solutions shouldn’t be alike either. We can customize solutions to fit your business’s needs. For HR help, call Kmet Consulting at 877-783-5638.
5 Tips for Dealing with Negativity in the Workplace
Tip # 1
Try to determine what’s causing the negative behavior.
In order to solve a problem, you have to get to the root of it first. Don't assume you know the cause of the negative behavior. Take the time to understand what’s going on in your place of business. There could be some sort of personal issue, such as the employee has a death in the family. Be understanding and sensitive to their problems and realize that everyone is human. Talk to the employee in private, to see if you can determine the root cause(s) of their negative behavior. Empathy is the key.
Tip # 2
LISTEN to your employees.
Have an open-door policy and create a workplace environment that your employees can feel comfortable expressing their concerns to you in. If you are constantly acting like you don’t have time for your employees, that could cause even more negativity problems. If you are worried about time management issues, try stating “office hours for open expression,” such as from 2-4 p.m. every day, your door could be open and you could be ready to hear your employees out about issues they think may be affecting the work environment.
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” - Stephen R. Covey
Tip # 3
Make figuring out a solution your focus.
When dealing with the employee who is exhibiting negative behaviors, don’t only focus on “the bad.” Point out what they are doing right within your company, as well. If you only tell them what they are doing wrong, their motivation level could continue to deteriorate. This could potentially be a very good employee with the right guidance from you.
Tip # 4
Don’t punish the MANY because of the FEW.
Just because one employee did something wrong and caused drama and negativity within the workplace, doesn’t mean you have to punish everyone. Don’t react impulsively by setting a new policy for everyone to follow due to the actions of one person.
Tip # 5
Keep the problem contained.
Negativity can be contagious. Once you know where the negative behavior is beginning, reach out to that particular employee and listen to their concerns. Try to help in any way you can. Be sure that they feel heard and try guiding them in a direction that allows for more positivity. Treat them how you’d want to be treated if you were in their situation. Bottom line - do what’s best for your business.
“Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one.” – Hans Selye
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help When Dealing with Workplace Negativity
Kmet Consulting is ready to help you with your HR needs. Our job is to understand your business and part of that is learning more about what is driving the negativity and helping you to come up with solutions to instill more productivity and less negativity. Our HR consulting company understands that no two business are alike, which means their HR solutions shouldn’t be alike either. We can customize solutions to fit your business’s needs. For HR help, call Kmet Consulting at 877-783-5638.
877-783-5638
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