Negativity - The Number One Productivity Problem

Backstabbing, gossip, power struggles, worry and stress are signs that negativity has invaded your workplace. The end result is turnover, absenteeism, and low morale.

Now before you roll your eyes and say that all this attitude stuff is just touchy feely, let me present the facts.

The Facts

Fact #1. It may not be healthy to be negative but it's natural. Human beings think over 60,000 thoughts per day and 85% of those thoughts are negative. Think about the little voice in your head cursing traffic or saying things like, "I dread going to work," or "I can't stand my co-workers."

Fact #2. What you focus on expands. Cognitive scientists and neuron-psychologists know that the brain actually changes as a result of where a person focuses his thinking. Negative habits create more negativity and positive thoughts create happier feelings which lead to health.

Fact #3. Feeling good is good for your health. The American Heart Association reports that feelings of appreciation increases circulation and smooth cardiovascular rhythms. Also, recalling an angry experience can negatively affect the immune system for as much as six hours? Illness due to headaches cost $50 billion annually in medical expenses and absenteeism according to the National Health Foundation. Employees have a difficult time producing when there is negativity and ill will in the workplace.

Fact #4. Relationships are either a source of renewal or a source of drama. It's a fact, the number one reason an employee leaves a company is due to poor relationships with his direct supervisors. It is a fact that over 90 percent of workplace problems are people related. The Gallup organization found that no single factor more clearly predicts the productivity of an employee than the relationship with his direct supervisor.

Drama in the workplace hampers productivity and the number one problem in most workplaces is negativity and stress.

Marlene Chism is the author of Stop Workplace Drama. She helps managers and business leaders resolve relationship conflict and reduce negativity in the workplace. Visit Stop Workplace Drama to learn the eight principles help leaders gain clarity and reduce workplace drama.