3 Signs You’re in a Negative Workplace and 6 Fixes for It

Negative energy can take over fast if we’re not paying attention.

Once it has a grip, it’s hard to kill that vibe in a negative workplace.

The negativity might not be outright bullying or shouting matches. After all, most people in Finance are reasonable.

But you can sense when negativity hangs over your team like a dark cloud. People just aren’t cordial or motivated.

How Did the Negative Workplace Come to Be?

How’d it happen?

Good leaders should never assume things are “fine.” Entire departments – even whole companies – can become so bogged down with negative vibes that only an overhaul will turn it around.

If unchecked, negativity can spread like a plague through a team, says leadership coach Michael Hyatt. “[It kills] cooperation and slows down the work we do.”

It’s scientifically proven, too. Researchers call it emotional contagion and say it pays to gauge the mood of your team.

Here are three top signs you have a negative workplace — the kind you want to guard against:

1. People are Short-Fused and Rude

In a moment of feeling overwhelmed, have you ever dismissively said, “I don’t have time for this right now!” to a colleague?

It happens and it’s usually followed five seconds later with the thought, “Wow, that was rude of me!” You might have even quickly followed up with an apology.

Everyone has those moments. But when you realize too many people on your team act this often, things need to change.

Give people enough stress with not enough downtime, and knee-jerk rudeness becomes the default. And most of us know rudeness and negativity when we see them.

2. People Argue Often

Your finance team takes on a lot, and so do you. So you know how testy things can get when you’re involved in a project with a million pitfalls, or you’re mired in projects that never seem to end.

Faced with daily frustrations, it’s easy to snap and turn helpful suggestions into arguments. You might hear: “I’d appreciate it if you just let me get this done the way I know how!”

Some people just love to argue, it’s true. But if every employee interaction turns into a contentious debate, it’s a sign that they could simply be venting about a larger problem.

3. Bullying is Subtle

Incivility at work rises when employees feel overworked and under-appreciated. Unfortunately, University of Arkansas researchers found it’s contagious.

Here’s what happens: Someone bosses you around, so you subconsciously use the same tactic on the next person who needs attention.

After surveying people in the workplace, the researchers noted that when people experienced incivility earlier in the day, their own levels of self-control were reduced – which resulted in their increased incivility later in the day.

In other words, insults and slights frequently harm employee performance – and can provoke payback later.

Good News: It’s Curable!

It turns out, positive energy spreads, too. We already know this intuitively, but it helps to remind ourselves that an upbeat outlook can be contagious.

Hyatt says researchers have identified six ways managers can spread positive energy:

1. Show Off a Sunny Attitude

You don’t need to plaster a smile on your face all day. But recognize that you do set the tone for how you feel about your job.

If employees see you approaching your day with good humor and enthusiasm, they’ll likely adapt and extend that enthusiasm.

2. Create And Follow an Inspiring Vision

Leaders need to communicate organizational goals in a compelling way. This is especially important to get your team through mundane and less rewarding tasks day after day. But you don’t need flowery, over-the-top language to do it.

Stick consistently to a short list of aspirations or goals to routinely reference when new opportunities come up. This emphasizes to your team that reaching those goals is a real and valuable accomplishment.

3. Contribute Meaningfully to Team Conversations

You let your finance team do most of the talking, and that’s great. But they also want signs that you’re still listening.

Signal that you respect their contributions by seizing on their ideas and thoughts even on things you’re not directly supervising. Engaged employees are happier and more productive employees.

4. Stay Fully Present and Attentive

You might be the busiest person in the room, but everyone deserves your attention.

Encourage behaviors that promote attentiveness. For instance, try a no-cell-phone rule for meetings, or take discussions to a break room or another place where you know you won’t be interrupted. Giving people your solid attention helps overcome indifference (and it’s polite, too).

5. Give Credit Where It’s Due

Being treated as an equal boosts an employee’s outlook, says Mary Jo Asmus, a former Fortune 100 executive and a SkillsPath Seminars coach and speaker.

“Nobody has a corner on the best ideas. Most people – including the smart ones you hire – love to think for themselves,” she says.

6. Celebrate Successes

When you reach important benchmarks, praise and reward the effort. It boosts the mood and helps maintain momentum.