How to Cheer a Grumpy Co-Worker

A bad mood is contagious, particularly when the grumpy person is working closely with you and other employees. Lighten the atmosphere in the office by discovering how a little understanding, patience and thoughtfulness can cheer an irritable coworker.

Instructions

1. Be willing to listen. Let your grumpy coworker vent. She may be having difficulty with another employee, a task or a client that you can help to resolve. Or lend an ear if she wants to talk because she's in a funk or having a personal problem.

2. Make a simple gesture like buying your coworker a cup of coffee, bringing flowers for her desk, paying her a compliment or writing an upbeat note. Just the fact that you thought of her may brighten her day.

3. Ask if you can help ease your coworker's workload in any way. Clearing off a cluttered desk or cutting the stack in an inbox may reduce his stress and lighten the mood.

4. Get him to laugh. Tell a joke, recount one of your most embarrassing moments or tell him about something funny you just saw in the break room.

5. Ensure that your coworker isn't grumpy because you're pestering her. Take the hint and stop trying to cheer her up if she seems eager to get back to work.

Tips & Warnings

• It's not always necessary to cheer up the workplace grouch. Consider the benefits of an office grump, particularly if she encourages lazy or chatty employees to get back to work by giving them the evil eye.