Backstabbing, gossip, power struggles, worry and stress are signs that drama has invaded your workplace. The end result is turnover, absenteeism, and low morale. Take a breath, and before you discount this information, take a look at four facts about negativity and how it impacts not only your workplace relationships, but your own well being.
Fact #1
Negativity is not healthy but it is human nature. Human beings think over 60,000 thoughts per day and 85% of those thoughts are negative. Here’s an easy example: 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,” and how these thoughts are automatic.
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. On the other hand, recalling an angry experience can negatively affect the immune system for as much as six hours, and illness due to headaches cost $50 billion annually in medical expenses and absenteeism according to the National Health Foundation. The bottom line is, 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 a major problem in many workplaces is drama in the form of negativity and stress.
Marlene Chism is a consultant, international speaker and author of Stop Workplace Drama(Wiley 2011). Marlene’s passion is developing wise leaders and helping people to discover, develop and deliver their gifts to the world.
Marlene’s message is spreading across the country at association meetings, corporate retreats, universities and other venues. If interested in exploring speaking or training opportunities please call 1.888.434.9085
