How to Be More Hospitable at the Workplace

Work together to create a more hospitable workplace.

The environment of your workplace can affect much more than just your feelings about coming to work. An inhospitable work environment can affect how employees interact with each other, which can impact overall productivity. While changing the entire attitude of the staff at your work may not be feasible, simply changing your own attitude can go a long ways in making the workplace more hospitable.

Instructions

1. Smile when talking to other coworkers, even if you don't necessarily like them. A smile portrays a friendly demeanor, which can help bond coworkers together, and helps counteract negativity at work.

2. Practice using constructive criticism and praise in the workplace. Employees will not always perform tasks correctly, and need to be corrected. Address the situation from a helpful and positive standpoint. Watch vocal tone and use constructive praise to list out specifics of what was done correctly once an employee gets it right.

3. Help others in the workplace. Take time to assist other employees with projects when you have extra time and are capable of helping. Ask first to see if the person wants help before assisting.

4. Control your emotions when at work. Everyone has good and bad days. Don't let emotions cause you to explode or act in a way that you normally wouldn't under less emotional stress, which can impact others around you, as well as the overall environment of the workplace.

5. Leave personal problems outside the workplace. Even if you've had a horrible morning or even a horrible week, drop the issues at the front door before you walk in, and focus on work. Dwelling on your personal problems throughout the day can affect how you treat others. Wait till after work or during lunch or other breaks to discuss, think about or deal with personal issues.

Tips & Warnings

• Work with managers to make changes in the workplace that encourage a positive workplace environment and discourage negativity.

References

• University of Pennsylvania: Managing Emotions in the Workplace: Do Positive and Negative Attitudes Drive Performance?
• Brian Norris: Overcoming Negativity in the Workplace
• University of Florida: Creating a Positive Workplace for Your Associates