Negative co-workers can affect everyone on their team, making the office an unpleasant place to be. If you’re struggling to deal with negativity in the workplace, here are some tips to help you cope:

Accept that You Can’t Control Others’ Behaviours or Emotions

You have no control over how someone else feels, or how they act, but you can control the way you respond to their behaviour. Keep reminding yourself that you are not responsible for your co-worker’s negative attitude.

Don’t Let Yourself Get Dragged into Drama

Office politics are a part of every workplace, but you don’t need to get sucked into it. Avoid gossip about your teammates and do your best not to get involved if one co-worker has something nasty or negative to say about another.

Set Boundaries

Of course, avoiding negative topics doesn’t mean you can’t sympathise with a co-worker going through a hard time. Just make sure you know where to set the limit, and stick to it.

Focus on Doing Your Best

In a negative or unhealthy work environment, it’s important to take care of yourself so you can perform at your peak. Focusing on other people can take up a lot of time and energy. Turn your attention back to yourself and focus on completing tasks that you enjoy, or that give you a sense of accomplishment. This will keep you feeling positive.

Redirect Negative People

If your co-worker is constantly complaining to you about a specific issue, project or person, give them suggestions that will help them to resolve the issue. Politely suggest that they speak to Human Resources or to their direct supervisor. If they won’t take your advice and choose to keep complaining instead, that’s their decision.

Connect with Positive People

Find co-workers with a positive, can-do attitude and make them the people you surround yourself with. Focusing your attention on positive people who lift others up will help you to feel more upbeat and motivated at work. Choose friends outside of work who make you feel the same.

Blow Off Steam

Find rituals that help you to feel recharged and refreshed after a frustrating day. Go for a run or hit the gym, or meet up with a friend to swap stories about work. Use it as a chance to get things off your chest and then let them go, rather than dwelling on them and getting dragged into negative thought patterns.

Take Action

In some cases, you may find that a negative co-worker is affecting your ability to do your job. If this happens, it’s a good idea to talk to your company’s HR department. It’s in their best interests to ensure that all their employees are able to do their jobs to the best of their ability. Explain the situation diplomatically and politely, and ask for help in finding practical solutions to the problem.

 

Sources:

11 Ways to Handle a Negative Coworker. Retrieved from: https://www.bustle.com/articles/165703-11-ways-to-effectively-handle-a-negative-coworker