5 ways to deal with a negative co-worker

5 ways to deal with a negative co-worker

ET explores how an employee can deal with pessimistic colleagues.

A co-worker who constantly complains about his or her workplace, job or boss, could have a damaging impact on the work environment. Even the most employee-friendly companies could succumb to the pressure of employee negativity. While organisations can avoid such situations by providing the right atmosphere, professionals too should know how to not let negativity from co-workers affect their output.

1. Lend A Patient Ear

The daily grind can lead to a feeling of stagnancy, breeding negativity at work. “On such occasions, just listen to your colleague. The outburst does not require any assistance or advice but needs a patient audience,” says Ritu Mehrotra, VP global HR and talent management, Bristlecone. “Expressing bottled up negativity, sometimes leads to catharsis, and a download helps,” says Jyotsana Bhatnagar, associate professor, human resource management and chairperson (PGP-HRM) at Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon.

2. Bring in Some Humour

Use humour as a tactic to distract the one complaining and create a positive, cheerful environment. “Laugh together and try to transform the negativity into positivity. Share jokes and cartoons, and some lighter moments,” says Bhatnagar. “Establish camaraderie, compassion and empathy in your relationship, so as to move the basic focus of the individual to positive lightness,” she adds.

3. Set an Example

Encourage a positive mindset. “If you can’t change the feelings of your co-worker towards his work or the boss or the work environment through your constant counselling, then your actions can come to your rescue,” says Mehrotra. Exhibit optimism through your actions at the workplace as this will help the negative co-worker bring in a change in his or her attitude, she adds.

4. Keep Safe Distance

If patient listening, counselling or compassion does not help, avoid the negative co-worker as much as possible. “Do not get over sympathetic, as it will only foster negative behaviour. Try to show them a brighter prospect,” says Mehrotra. “Avoid spending too much time with negative people as it tends to impact your outlook in the long run. Negativity is a choice not a mandate,” she adds. 

5. Communicate More Often

Negativity at work spreads quickly and affects corporations significantly. In case of extreme situations do not hesitate to reach out to the authorities and bring their attention to the issue. “The factors bothering the professional at workplace can always be addressed and effective measures can be taken to resolve problems,” says Mehrotra.

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