Workplace Negativity
...a much greater chance of experiencing negative stress and are more likely to experience dissatisfaction with their lives and jobs.1 Some people appear to be born with a genetic predisposition toward negativity while others appear to become negative as a result of their environment. There are those who agree that one’s personality is a combination of genetic make-up and life experiences.2 People who chronically express negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors increase the likelihood of engaging in destructive actions.
Workplace negativity is rapidly “emerging as a disease of the 21st century corporation,” and like any other chronic illness, it could undermine corporate operations and cripple long-term growth.3 Negativity is also a problem that can be the deciding factor between success and failure for both managers and organizations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. companies lose around $3 billion a year due to the effects of negative attitudes and behaviors.
PURPOSE OF STUDY
The purpose of this study is to determine the causes of negativity and the effect it has on managers, individuals, and the workplace environment. The study will reveal important factors managers feel are eminent in dealing with pervasive individuals and team negativity. A discussion will identify tips that management, as well as, employees can use to eliminate and prevent negativity in the organization.
Employees with negative attitudes expect the worst to happen. They tend to complain a lot, resist change and new ideas. They are not motivated and can cause an unproductive environment. Companies lose money because of increased customer complaints and error rates, elevated employee turnover and absences, and reduced morale, motivation, loyalty and creativity.4 Much of the problem comes from, but are not limited to, workers who lack confidence in their skills, who feel...
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