--- title: "Chasing the Silver Lining: How to Overcome Negativity in the Workplace" description: It's no secret, positivity in the workplace creates an environment where employees thrive. Find out how to turn the tide and counter negativity at work. image: https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/how%20to%20overcome%20negativity%20in%20the%20workplace.webp --- - [Client Portal](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - [Employee Login](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) [![AxcetHR Solutions Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/AxcetHR2021%20Blog/axcethr_logo_white%20(1).png)](https://www.axcethr.com/) - [About Us](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/) - [Corporate Philantropy](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/corporate-philanthropy/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Values and Culture](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/values-and-culture/) - [Kansas PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/kansas-peo/) - [Missouri PEO](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/missouri-peo/) - [Careers](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [Why Choose Axcet?](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [About PEOs](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/about-peos/) - 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[Employee Benefits](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-benefits) - [All about COVID-19 in the Workplace](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/covid19) - [Kansas & Missouri HR News](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/kansas-and-missouri-hr-news) - [Kansas City Interest News](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/kansas-city-interest-news) - [PEO/HRO](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/peo) - Choose Topic: - [Human Resources](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/human-resources) - Payroll Administrations - [Employee Safety & Risk Management](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-safety-risk-management) - [Employee Benefits](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/employee-benefits) - [PEO](https://blog.axcethr.com/topic/peo) # Chasing the Silver Lining: How to Overcome Negativity in the Workplace By [Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman) on [Oct 30, 2019](https://blog.axcethr.com/chasing-the-silver-lining-how-to-overcome-negativity-in-the-workplace) 4 min read [0 comment(s)](https://blog.axcethr.com/chasing-the-silver-lining-how-to-overcome-negativity-in-the-workplace#comments-listing) Share this: - - - - [whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/chasing-the-silver-lining-how-to-overcome-negativity-in-the-workplace](whatsapp://send?text=https://blog.axcethr.com/chasing-the-silver-lining-how-to-overcome-negativity-in-the-workplace) - [mailto:?subject=Chasing%20the%20Silver%20Lining:%20How%20to%20Overcome%20Negativity%20in%20the%20Workplace&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/chasing-the-silver-lining-how-to-overcome-negativity-in-the-workplace](mailto:?subject=Chasing%20the%20Silver%20Lining:%20How%20to%20Overcome%20Negativity%20in%20the%20Workplace&body=https://blog.axcethr.com/chasing-the-silver-lining-how-to-overcome-negativity-in-the-workplace) ![how to overcome negativity in the workplace](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/how%20to%20overcome%20negativity%20in%20the%20workplace.webp?width=840&name=how%20to%20overcome%20negativity%20in%20the%20workplace.webp) We’re all human. Even the most stoic among us have emotions, positive or negative. Inevitably, despite some of our best attempts at compartmentalization, those highs and lows of emotion find their way into the workplace. Work can thrive on swells of positivity, but bouts of negativity pose a serious threat. Occasional negativity is natural, but if your workplace is constantly enshrouded by negative employee talk, that’s a problem. ## Consequences of Negativity in the Workplace People don’t work solely for money—ideally, they expect work to provide them with a sense of fulfillment and purpose. They use it as a gauge to evaluate where they are in their lives. The workplace is also the place employees expect to spend the most time outside of the home. So, if an employee comes day in and day out to a workplace that is always clouded by negativity, that individual’s sense of wellbeing is at risk. Morale declines and mental illness becomes a growing concern, leading to its own slew of [health risks](https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950). Suddenly, good employees you expected to stick around are leaving because of the toxic environment, increasing turnover. You don’t want your business to be that business. The good thing is, it doesn’t have to be. [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/c85030f2-583b-4779-9573-75411a7928f6.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/c85030f2-583b-4779-9573-75411a7928f6) ## 8 Ways to Reduce Negativity in the Workplace It’s important to remember that there is no “one size fits all” solution to negativity in the workplace. Still, we’ve identified some strategies you can implement within your organization that are likely to prove helpful. Take the time to consider the list below to give you and your employees an essential pick-me-up. ### **1. Identify the Source.** Negativity is a common response to stress or anxiety, so first try and find out what might be stressing your employees out. Talk privately with your employees or supervisors to get a better read on the situation. Encourage employees to speak up about any frustrations. If the source of stress or anxiety is outside of work, then there might not be much you can do, but it’s a toxic employee or policy causing trouble, then you can act on that information. ### **2. Keep an Open Mind.** While talking privately with your employees, they might offer up suggestions about policy changes they think will make work more positive. You don’t have to enact everything you hear, but employees might have an idea that could work or one you simply have not thought of at that point. ### **3. It’s not Personal.** If your investigation uncovers frustration with yourself or management of your business in general, do your best not to take the information personally. People with managerial positions in a company often receive blame and scrutiny even when the problem doesn’t lie with. Resist the urge to fight frustration with angry comments that will only feed the cycle of negativity. Instead, remain calm, listen, and respond in a way that keeps the atmosphere peaceful. Consult with HR personnel for advice if your emotions are too strong to deal with the situation tactfully at that time. ### **4. Make Time for Group Communication.** Have managers set meetings to have an open forum amongst team members. While you should be careful with such meetings if there is a specific employee creating toxicity, opening communication up in a group setting can help foster a sense of teamwork and uncover possibilities for how employees might be able to encourage one another.[![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/64e20fa9-2524-443b-a9f2-d7b2a02305a7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/64e20fa9-2524-443b-a9f2-d7b2a02305a7) ### **5. Find the Positive Hiding in the Negative.** Here are your silver linings. When speaking with employees privately or in a group setting, try to reframe any negative statements that come up. This can be tricky since you still want to be honest and fair, but it’s important to direct conversation in a productive manner. If an employee complains about how vacations are coordinated, for instance, you might thank the employee for bringing that issue up and introducing an opportunity to rethink vacation scheduling. ### **6. Positivity Starts with the Hiring Process.** Since it can be difficult to change a specific employee’s attitude, begin looking for issues while you’re still in the interviewing stage. Pay attention to a candidate’s attitude and temperament in addition to their qualifications. Sometimes it’s far easier to hone develop an employee’s skillset after onboarding than it is to change their attitude once they have started. **7. Talk During Onboarding.** Discuss expectations and responsibilities during onboarding, but also check in with employees every few weeks to see how they are feeling about work. Short conversations with employees can catch problems early-on, letting you step in before problems grow and become difficult to manage. ### **8. Don’t Stifle.** Lastly, your employees shouldn’t feel as if they can never say anything negative. Constant negativity is a problem, yes, but it’s also important for your employees to feel as if they can speak their mind. You want your workplace to be genuinely happy instead of employees remaining silent about frustration. It’s a difficult task, but with time and concerted effort, your workplace can become the positive, open environment it should be. ## [![Leadership and management training services tailored for small businesses](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/interactive-189244092930.png)](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLclemZ445f31%2BbmL3NaycqRT4EQS7f%2BxfgBSom8bCfEyWjTkkCszKRWXQJK%2FuJKcNaHpvjFxde4P1NZwgqgtNsX4GSeG%2BpcROyeNSV%2FRcKEZxvMDttcx%2BU5ci6FbMBFcrRk5x5noRQm1aEuJypXmirRc6t%2Bf9RtlJKnxVW%2FYqP8v%2FNRpGKatx5j9j06QKtK53QXBlab%2BSYLF9Tg%2F2%2Fr0GBKncoNExhRfIMVmgaBeAomotjpp9p37zk3TW6NkVUMb%2B%2FyhifWm7wUTUZTxTuny0gkDde1qGHLrhEOKxP4LfV&webInteractiveContentId=189244092930&portalId=2652187) ## Fostering a Positive Workplace Culture to Combat Negativity Negativity in the workplace can erode morale, hinder productivity, and increase turnover. By proactively addressing the sources of negativity—such as poor communication, lack of recognition, or unclear expectations—employers can create a more positive and engaging work environment. Implementing strategies like regular feedback sessions, employee recognition programs, and open communication channels can help in building a culture where employees feel valued and heard. A positive workplace culture not only enhances employee satisfaction but also contributes to the overall success of the organization. Looking to transform your workplace culture and reduce negativity? Axcet HR Solutions offers expert guidance and resources to help you build a more positive and productive work environment. Visit [axcethr.com](https://www.axcethr.com/) to learn more about our comprehensive HR services and how we can support your organization's growth. [![See if a PEO makes sense for your business](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2652187/18caba7b-fa27-458e-b41c-5af2422700be.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2652187/18caba7b-fa27-458e-b41c-5af2422700be)     [![Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP](https://blog.axcethr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jeanette-04.jpg?width=80&height=80&name=Jeanette-04.jpg)](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman) Written by #### [Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman) Jeanette Coleman, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, is the Director of Human Resources at Axcet HR Solutions, where she has contributed her expertise for over 21 years. As a leader in the HR industry, she holds advanced certifications as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). Jeanette oversees HR strategy and operations, ensuring Axcet delivers exceptional HR services that help small and mid-sized businesses stay compliant and grow. With a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Keller Graduate School and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Kansas State University, Jeanette is well-equipped to lead and support clients in navigating complex HR challenges. Throughout her 15-year tenure as Director of Human Resources, she has been instrumental in positioning Axcet as the Midwest’s largest and premier Professional Employer Organization (PEO). Her previous roles at Axcet include Director of Employee Benefits and Senior HR Consultant, where she gained extensive experience in HR outsourcing, and employee risk management. Jeanette’s expertise has been recognized through industry and regional publications. She co-authored the article “High-Touch in the Age of High-Tech: How PEOs Can Embrace AI Without Losing Their Humanity” (https://peoinsider.org/articles/high-touch-in-the-age-of-high-tech-how-peos-can-embrace-ai-without-losing-their-humanity/) for PEO Insider (March 2026), alongside Jo McClure, and was featured in Ingram’s Magazine in a Q&A (https://ingrams.com/article/qa-with-jeanette-coleman/) discussing generational change, technology, and workplace culture. These contributions reflect her perspective on balancing innovation with the human side of HR. Jeanette’s leadership reflects her deep commitment to helping businesses thrive through strategic, compliance-driven HR solutions. Through her writing, she shares insights on HR strategy, compliance, and best practices to help employers confidently manage their workforce. Published in: PEO Insider and Ingram's Read more [View all posts →](https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman) ### Get HR Updates ### Table of Contents ### Related Resources - [services Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) #### [Deciphering the Acronyms: Types of Managed Care Plans ![blog image deciphering the acronyms](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/blog%20image%20deciphering%20the%20acronyms.png)](https://blog.axcethr.com/deciphering-the-acronyms-types-of-managed-care-plans) #### [![oct 24 blog image](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/oct%2024%20blog%20image.png) Hygiene at Work: How to Talk to an Employee About Body Odor](https://blog.axcethr.com/hygiene-at-work-how-to-talk-to-an-employee-about-body-odor) ## Let us know what you think... ![AxcetHR Blog](https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/AxcetHR2021%20Blog/axcethr_logo_white%20(1).png) - [Why Axcet](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/) - [What We Stand For](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/what-we-stand-for/) - [Expertise](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/) - [Employee Benefits](https://www.axcethr.com/services/employee-benefits/) - [Human Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/services/human-resources/) - [Payroll Services](https://www.axcethr.com/services/payroll-and-tax-administration-services/) - [Risk Management](https://www.axcethr.com/services/workers-comp-and-employee-safety-risk-management/) - [Meet the Team](https://www.axcethr.com/about-us/meet-the-team/) - [Subscribe to Latest Resources](https://www.axcethr.com/subscribe-to-the-latest-resources/) - [Resource Library](https://www.axcethr.com/expertise/resource-library/) - [\[ Client Portal \]](https://www.axcethr.com/client-services/) - - - - - Search for: Copyright © 2023 Axcet HR Solutions – Kansas City's PEO Since 1988 | [Privacy Policy](https://www.axcethr.com/privacy-policy/) | [Terms and Conditions](https://www.axcethr.com/terms-conditions/) | [**Join our Team – Careers »**](https://axcethrsolutions.prismhr-hire.com/) 10975 Grandview Drive Suite 200, Corporate Woods Building 27, Overland Park, KS 66210 | Call us: 913-383-2999 *The IRS does not endorse any particular For more information on [certified professional employer organizations](https://www.axcethr.com/why-axcet/certified-peo/), go to [www.irs.gov](https://www.irs.gov).* Remove cookies ![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=43031&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman" }, "dateModified" : "2025-05-15T20:46:37.076Z", "datePublished" : "2019-10-30T13:11:40.000Z", "headline" : "Chasing the Silver Lining: How to Overcome Negativity in the Workplace", "image" : [ "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/how%20to%20overcome%20negativity%20in%20the%20workplace.webp" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/chasing-the-silver-lining-how-to-overcome-negativity-in-the-workplace", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/hubfs/_logo_axcethr_primary.png" }, "name" : "Axcet HR Solutions" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.axcethr.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Kansas City", "addressRegion" : "MO" }, "aggregateRating" : { "@type" : "AggregateRating", "bestRating" : "5", "ratingValue" : "5", "reviewCount" : "100" }, "areaServed" : { "@type" : "Country", "name" : "United States" }, "award" : [ "IRS Certified Professional Employer Organization (CPEO)", "Award-Winning HR Solutions Provider", "SHRM Certified HR Professionals", "HRCI Certified HR Professionals" ], "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "US", "availableLanguage" : "English", "contactType" : "Customer Service" }, "description" : "Award-winning Professional Employer Organization (PEO) providing comprehensive HR solutions, payroll services, employee benefits, and risk management to small and mid-sized businesses. 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Even the most stoic among us have false", "articleBody" : "We’re all human. Even the most stoic among us have emotions, positive or negative. Inevitably, despite some of our best attempts at compartmentalization, those highs and lows of emotion find their way into the workplace. Work can thrive on swells of positivity, but bouts of negativity pose a serious threat. Occasional negativity is natural, but if your workplace is constantly enshrouded by negative employee talk, that’s a problem. Consequences of Negativity in the Workplace People don’t work solely for money—ideally, they expect work to provide them with a sense of fulfillment and purpose. They use it as a gauge to evaluate where they are in their lives. The workplace is also the place employees expect to spend the most time outside of the home. So, if an employee comes day in and day out to a workplace that is always clouded by negativity, that individual’s sense of wellbeing is at risk. Morale declines and mental illness becomes a growing concern, leading to its own slew of health risks. Suddenly, good employees you expected to stick around are leaving because of the toxic environment, increasing turnover. You don’t want your business to be that business. The good thing is, it doesn’t have to be. 8 Ways to Reduce Negativity in the Workplace It’s important to remember that there is no “one size fits all” solution to negativity in the workplace. Still, we’ve identified some strategies you can implement within your organization that are likely to prove helpful. Take the time to consider the list below to give you and your employees an essential pick-me-up. 1. Identify the Source. Negativity is a common response to stress or anxiety, so first try and find out what might be stressing your employees out. Talk privately with your employees or supervisors to get a better read on the situation. Encourage employees to speak up about any frustrations. If the source of stress or anxiety is outside of work, then there might not be much you can do, but it’s a toxic employee or policy causing trouble, then you can act on that information. 2. Keep an Open Mind. While talking privately with your employees, they might offer up suggestions about policy changes they think will make work more positive. You don’t have to enact everything you hear, but employees might have an idea that could work or one you simply have not thought of at that point. 3. It’s not Personal. If your investigation uncovers frustration with yourself or management of your business in general, do your best not to take the information personally. People with managerial positions in a company often receive blame and scrutiny even when the problem doesn’t lie with. Resist the urge to fight frustration with angry comments that will only feed the cycle of negativity. Instead, remain calm, listen, and respond in a way that keeps the atmosphere peaceful. Consult with HR personnel for advice if your emotions are too strong to deal with the situation tactfully at that time. 4. Make Time for Group Communication. Have managers set meetings to have an open forum amongst team members. While you should be careful with such meetings if there is a specific employee creating toxicity, opening communication up in a group setting can help foster a sense of teamwork and uncover possibilities for how employees might be able to encourage one another. 5. Find the Positive Hiding in the Negative. Here are your silver linings. When speaking with employees privately or in a group setting, try to reframe any negative statements that come up. This can be tricky since you still want to be honest and fair, but it’s important to direct conversation in a productive manner. If an employee complains about how vacations are coordinated, for instance, you might thank the employee for bringing that issue up and introducing an opportunity to rethink vacation scheduling. 6. Positivity Starts with the Hiring Process. Since it can be difficult to change a specific employee’s attitude, begin looking for issues while you’re still in the interviewing stage. Pay attention to a candidate’s attitude and temperament in addition to their qualifications. Sometimes it’s far easier to hone develop an employee’s skillset after onboarding than it is to change their attitude once they have started. 7. Talk During Onboarding. Discuss expectations and responsibilities during onboarding, but also check in with employees every few weeks to see how they are feeling about work. Short conversations with employees can catch problems early-on, letting you step in before problems grow and become difficult to manage. 8. Don’t Stifle. Lastly, your employees shouldn’t feel as if they can never say anything negative. Constant negativity is a problem, yes, but it’s also important for your employees to feel as if they can speak their mind. You want your workplace to be genuinely happy instead of employees remaining silent about frustration. It’s a difficult task, but with time and concerted effort, your workplace can become the positive, open environment it should be. Fostering a Positive Workplace Culture to Combat Negativity Negativity in the workplace can erode morale, hinder productivity, and increase turnover. By proactively addressing the sources of negativity—such as poor communication, lack of recognition, or unclear expectations—employers can create a more positive and engaging work environment. Implementing strategies like regular feedback sessions, employee recognition programs, and open communication channels can help in building a culture where employees feel valued and heard. A positive workplace culture not only enhances employee satisfaction but also contributes to the overall success of the organization. Looking to transform your workplace culture and reduce negativity? Axcet HR Solutions offers expert guidance and resources to help you build a more positive and productive work environment. Visit axcethr.com to learn more about our comprehensive HR services and how we can support your organization's growth.", "author" : { "@id" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman#author", "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jeanette Coleman, SPHR & SHRM-SCP", "url" : "https://blog.axcethr.com/author/jeanette-coleman" }, "dateCreated" : "2019-10-30", "dateModified" : "2025-05-15", "datePublished" : "2019-10-30", "description" : "We’re all human. Even the most stoic among us have emotions, positive or negative. Inevitably, despite some of our best attempts at compartmentalization, those highs and lows of emotion find their way into the workplace. Work can thrive on swells of positivity, but bouts of negativity pose a serious threat. 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