Recently, I received an IM from a friend. He has found a new job and was ushered out of his former workplace when he gave his two week's notice. He wanted to tell me just how bad his workplace had been. And, I was truly amazed. The workplace he described took every article on this website and did the exact opposite.
Employees were required to account for every minute of their time and a doctor's note was required if they missed one day of work. They were required to sign pages and pages of rules and laws including a policy that described what was considered to be an assault. Buried in a basement, the employees were treated as if they were criminals or repeat offenders just waiting to screw up again; the rules covered every possible screw up, too.
I could tell you much more, but some of you who work in negative workplaces don't need to hear any more of the gruesome details. I told my friend to run - not walk - away from this workplace. It would sap his spirit and steal his soul.
The typical workplace has its ups and downs in terms of employee negativity. Many workplaces are trying to be employee oriented. But, even the most employee oriented workplace can shudder under the weight of negative thinking. When employers understand the causes of employee negativity and put in place measures to prevent employee negativity, negativity fails to gain a foothold in the work environment. Learn the five key causes of employee negativity.
You may also be interested in Tips for Minimizing Workplace Negativity and Cures for Negativity, assuming you are experiencing negativity in your workplace.
Image Copyright Joshua Blake
Poll About Workplace Negativity
This week's poll focuses on identifying the most common causes of negativity in your workplace. I have suggested several but would be interested in your comments about workplace negativity, too.
Poll: What Is the Primary Cause of Negativity in Your Workplace? (You can only vote for one.)
- Lack of direction from management.
- Constant change that is not well-communicated.
- Poor communication overall.
- An excessive workload.
- Lack of challenge, boredom.
- Insufficient recognition for the level of contribution and effort provided.
- Anxiety about the future: job security, retirement income.
- Other. Please respond in “comments” below.
- View Results
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I have to comment because I think the “causes” you have listed here about employee negativity are really “excuses.” Each one of them can be addressed by the employee taking an action or changing their thinking. Lack of direction from management? Step up say what you think priorities are and ask for validation or clarification. Constant change that’s not well communicated? Ask questions until you get clarity and can find a way to align yourself w/it. Poor communication? Ask good questions, seek out input from many angles, take the initiative. Excessive workload? Get priority clarification, get creative, and let the little things go. Lack of challenge/boredom? Seek to learn something new, master something old, or personal development. Insufficient recognition? Appreciate those around you. Be the one to recognize others, and you will feel better! Other anxieties? Focus on the goal, the desire, and see the positive aspects. Don’t dwell…let it go and start creating your own inspiration and fun. Other comments? We are all responsible for our own happiness!!
Verbal abuse, hostile work environment. I know – why would anyone endure this? Amazingly, my husband works for a contractor (plumbing/fire sprinklers) and this is the norm – the President of the company is very unstable and can fly off the handle for absolutely nothing – making everyone highly stressed – on edge the entire time. He treats employees like disposable tools: wear them out and get new ones. I offer my advice on how to deal with it (aside from get the hell out of the there) and my husband says that my “HR mumbo jumbo just won’t fly in this industry” It has gotten so that he cannot sleep, has indigestion, and if he would ever drag himself to the doctor, probably clinically depressed. He won’t leave because his brother works there, and he is loyal to him. There are others in the office who have also taken this for granted – they have become broken down individuals who are just grateful to have a job. This is truly sad, and offends me every time I hear of things happening there.