Do you have that one employee that is always negative? No matter what you do, they always find a reason to complain. And when they complain they make sure that everyone around knows they are unhappy. Does this one person have any effect on the rest of your employees? Absolutely!
Bitter and unhappy employees tend to spread their negativity. Sometimes they try to get others on their side, and other times they are looking for an outlet to express their frustrations. While employees are entitled to express their opinions (albeit not the way they are going about it), the bigger problem is how their words and actions leave everyone else feeling. Their constant negativity eventually starts to impact how those around them feel. Usually this results in the rest of the employees being separated into two groups.
- Employees that join the negative employee’s bandwagon. In these situations, management needs to meet with the employee(s) who are generating the negativity, listen to their concerns and clearly establish expectations around how the situation will be handled, behaviours that are expected to change, and how the employee should pursue future complaints. Documents such as a Corporate Code of Conduct can be referenced during this meeting. If the negativity persists it must be addressed immediately, otherwise the issue will only continue to escalate.
- Employees that have been content with the work environment, may become annoyed and agitated by the bad apple. Not wanting to add more conflict, they won’t say anything to the other person. Instead, they will quietly continue doing their work, while each day that goes by becomes less and less enjoyable. These once good, motivated employees will start to dread coming into work and it is only a matter of time until they realize how unhappy they are and start looking for better working conditions…with a new employer!
To protect your good workers, and prevent others from joining the angry band wagon, address situations of negativity immediately before they get out of hand. Once a bitter employee starts to affect those around them, it will take a lot of time to re-establish the peace, cohesiveness and teamwork of the group.
Need help to make applesauce out of your bad apple situation? We can help you navigate those uncomfortable employee situations. Contact us today.