How to Cope With Negative Co-workers

We have all had to cope with negative co-workers. They complain about everything under the sun. If it is not a complaint about the work load or office politics, it is a complaint about the cafeteria food or something in their personal lives. No matter what the complaint may be, there are ways to cope with negative co-workers without sapping your own energy and morale in the process.

Instructions

1. Think positive thoughts. A negative co-worker can make your day very unpleasant. The best defense to dealing with "Frowning Fran" or "Grumpy Gilbert," is to think positive thoughts. Since you know your co-worker has a history of complaining and looking at the glass as half empty, you may take the extra step and think about sunsets and beaches.

2. Put a positive spin to their negative subject. A negative co-worker can easily make a mountain out of a molehill. If the work load is heavy, you can guarantee that they will be the first to complain. The best way to cope with a constant complainer is to put a positive spin on the subject. Since you come to work to actually work, you already know what is expected of you. So the next time, simply change the subject of the heavy work load to something more lighthearted by saying, "it will be over before you know it" or "luckily, we aren't sitting around bored out of our minds!"

3. Take a break. If your negative co-worker has a knack for visiting your desk and pelting complaints, feel free to excuse yourself and take a walk around the office. Find peace in watering a plant or making a fresh cup of coffee. Some may call it avoidance, but you can look at it as a time of relaxation.

4. Tell your negative co-worker politely that you are not interested in listening to their complaints. Although this approach may seem harsh, it is a reality. It may be a difficult thing to do, but it is well worth it.

5. Speak to your boss about your negative co-worker's constant complaining. This is a last resort when all other efforts have failed, but it is a step that may need to be taken if your co-worker does not get the hint. Speaking to your boss may not be an easy thing to do, but it will hopefully rectify the situation.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not act rude to your negative co-worker. They may have valid complaints that are simply don't need to be rehashed.

• Do not purposely ignore your negative co-worker. They will pick up on your vibe and complain about you to others -- maybe even your boss.

References

• Community for Human Resource Management: How to Deal with a Negative Co-Worker