How to Handle an Employee With a Bad Attitude

Dealing with an unhappy employee is a challenging task.

Working with an employee who has a bad attitude can be unpleasant. Often a bad attitude can poison the workplace environment and hurt productivity. An employee with a bad attitude can spread his negativity to others, which may impair their work. Ignoring or complaining about the employee will only make the situation worse. Each situation is different, but experts suggest a number of ways to improve the situation.

Instructions

1. Make the employee aware that he has a bad attitude. Schedule a time to speak with him privately and share your concerns with him. Sometimes making the employee aware of his attitude may induce him to monitor his behavior.

2. Find out why the employee is dissatisfied. Understanding and empathizing with the employee's concerns can help you to remedy the problem. A number of factors can make for an unhappy employee. She may have been passed over for a promotion, she many not have received a raise, or she may be unhappy with her job or her responsibilities.

3. Write an action plan with the employee. The action plan should address the issues that affect the employee's negative behavior. After the action plan has been written, the supervisor should follow up with the employee regularly.

4. Get the employee involved with team assignments. Ask if he would like additional responsibilities or different duties. Sometimes employees just don't feel that they are contributing to the company. Allow the employee to oversee a project or conduct an important meeting. If an employee feels a connection with the company and his co-workers, it can improve his behavior.

5. Recognize the employee's contribution to the company. Sometimes the employee just needs recognition for her hard work. Convey that she is an essential part of the team. If possible, recognize the employee in front of the team.

Tips & Warnings

• Some employees will have a bad attitude regardless of what you do. Write down instances of their negative attitude and how it affects productivity. The document may be needed for disciplinary action or termination.

References

• University of Tennessee: Employee Attitudes and Job Satisfaction