How Do I Stay Neutral at Work When Someone Is Negative?

A negative co-worker can make completing work projects frustrating.

A co-worker with a negative attitude is not just an annoyance; he can impact the morale of the entire team, disrupt workflow, hamper productivity and create a stressful work environment. Unhappy co-workers often share their negativity with anyone who listens or shows empathy, even at the expense of meeting deadlines and the productivity of meetings. Remaining neutral around a negative co-worker can help you maintain motivation and workplace satisfaction, and may even help the co-worker resolve his problems.

Instructions

1. Avoid discussing subjective topics with the negative co-worker. You can curtail a negative discussion by saying, "I understand that you have some concerns, but I have to give this project my full attention to meet my deadline."

2. Write and keep a list of reasons to stay neutral, focused and productive at work. One obvious reason might be to keep your job and prevent financial disaster; however, maintaining exemplary performance might help you receive a promotion, earn a bonus or increase your chance of obtaining a recommendation when you change employers to further your career.

3. Propose alternate solutions if complaining and negativity persist. Encourage the co-worker to examine solutions to determine what would make her job more satisfying. For example, if a co-worker complains about another team's lack of cooperation with her team, suggest that she ask a manager to hold an interdepartmental meeting to improve communications and streamline productivity.

4. Remember that your co-worker's negativity does not require you to be part of the problem. Although you may have to work as a team, you do not have to absorb or react to other employees' emotions and attitudes.

5. Leave the office or workplace during breaks and lunches. A dissatisfied co-worker's negativity commonly spills over to break periods, preventing you from taking time to refocus and enjoy leisure time. Take a walk, visit a nearby store or just relax in your car to step away from the negative environment your co-worker creates.

Tips & Warnings

• Take a 30-second meditation break at your desk or workstation when it is not possible to leave the workplace. It is not necessary to close your eyes -- simply allow your mind to focus on your breath, while letting your thoughts drift.

• Do not refrain from speaking to your manager if the co-worker's negativity consistently erodes productivity. You may be held accountable for missed deadlines if you do not make your manager aware of the problem.

References

• "Managing Workplace Negativity"; Gary S. Topchik; 2001