Knowhow: Overcoming Negativity | Advice for creating a positive environment in tough times
The aftermath of downsizing in tough economic times is a real challenge in today’s workplace. As a result, the “survivors” inside organizations are stretched to the max. In many cases they have to absorb more work.
The person they need to interact with is not there or is too over-worked to talk with them and, in many organizations, the processes — the way in which work is done — have remained the same. The result: unresolved negativity in the workplace.
Many employees feel stressed and unfilled at work. Some are unhappy in their jobs but afraid to make a move. For employers, the challenge rests in managing the situation so the negativity doesn’t spread. Doing so will allow the company to regain momentum; the employees to gain clarity in their roles, feel appreciated for their work and see a possible career path develop.
There are a number of key factors to overcoming negativity in the workplace. Implementing these tactics will give you the best chance to keep your workforce morale up and optimistic.
Realignment Resolutions
During a time of influx, when the management team is trying to determine current and future business goals, expectations for the future and how performance levels will be altered as elements of the business shift, negativity can quickly infiltrate the workplace. Finding a way to quickly move through that transitional phase is imperative to restoring order, getting employees back on track and solidifying the company’s success.
But during such a transitional period, roles and responsibilities will shift along with business needs. When roles are not clear, people will flounder and begin thinking negatively about their situation. By clarifying roles and responsibilities, you’ll help your employees to be more productive and focused.
Process
Often times, when a company downsizes or restructures, the processes that are in place don’t match or support the organization’s current needs. Similarly, the rate of change for those processes is too slow to avoid negativity from employees adversely affected by it. Taking the time to review and revise business processes early will avoid the kind of disruptions that can occur if major organizational changes reshape your business.
However, process improvements alone won’t solve all your problems.
You can have the best plans in place, but if communication is lacking or people don’t feel a part of the process, you will face an uphill battle.
Looking Ahead
One of the surefire ways to avoid negativity creeping into your workforce is to devote some time and energy to addressing career development. When times are tough, companies tend to focus only on the “nuts and bolts.” That may work well when only looking at the company from an organizational level, but it overlooks the well-being of the individual employees that make the organization work. The organizations that are focusing some effort in this area will find that employees are less negative.
These strategies not only will help organizations to overcome negativity in the workplace, but they’ll help them get back on track quickly, too.
Both Bercume and Couture are executive coaches and leadership facilitators that specialize in workplace effectiveness. For more information: www.bercumeassociates.com or www.lccandcompany.com.
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