Having a positive outlook in the workplace not only fosters a positive work atmosphere, but also has the potential to influence various aspects such as the number of days taken off due to illness, advancements in one’s career, the quality of relationships, and other factors.
As an HR professional, it may appear as though you consistently display a positive attitude and contribute to promoting a joyful atmosphere at work. However, is it possible that this is not always the case? Are there times when you feel burdened and stressed? We understand your perspective.
Of course, it is impossible for anyone to constantly maintain a high level of positivity at work. However, in HR, your attitude is infectious as it has the potential to affect the entire company due to your interactions with individuals ranging from the executive team to the newest hire.
Maintaining a positive attitude at work is crucial for you and your team. Setting the right example can enhance the performance of the whole team and provide numerous physical and mental benefits.
First, let’s begin by identifying what a positive attitude in the workplace looks like. After that, we will explore various ways in which you and other team members can maintain a positive attitude at work.
What is a positive attitude at the workplace
Having a positive attitude at work is not as easy as just ignoring negativity and forcing a smile. This behavior can be perceived as insincere or even clueless. Additionally, it may lead to more complications since ignoring these issues does not make them disappear.
Positivity in the workplace can be described as a form of optimistic realism, wherein you acknowledge the negative aspects of a situation but choose to concentrate on the positive. Instead of passively accepting the situation, you actively seek solutions to the problem.
Ways to have a positive attitude at work
1. Develop a solid morning routine
It is not necessary to be a morning person in order to begin the day positively. It is perfectly fine if you do not feel inclined to jog for an hour while listening to uplifting music or prepare an extensive three-course breakfast before starting your workday. The routine that suits you might involve a comforting shower, Pop-Tarts, and enjoying your favorite podcast. Whatever activity brings you joy and positivity, make it a part of your daily routine.
To have a positive attitude at work, consider eliminating morning habits that cause stress or set a negative tone for the day, such as checking your phone right after waking up. Replace negative elements with positive ones to ensure your morning routine benefits you. It’s possible that starting the day off right is the key to maintaining a positive mindset at work.
2. Practice gratitude
Whether you keep a gratitude journal or make a point to acknowledge things you’re thankful for each day, staying positive at work is easier when you lead with gratitude. Try expressing it verbally on a regular basis or performing random acts of kindness to pay it forward. You’ll feel good about yourself and others (and you just might live a little longer).
3. Live healthily
When it comes to your well-being, prioritize both your physical and mental health. Engage in regular exercise and combine it with moments of relaxation and meditation. In addition to your usual physical routines, make a conscious effort to smile and laugh frequently. It is possible that at times you may not feel like doing either, but the more you practice smiling and laughing, the more skilled you will become (and the more positive you will feel).
In addition, remember to follow a balanced diet, stay sufficiently hydrated, and prioritize getting adequate sleep. It is important to note that maintaining good physical health is closely linked to having a positive mindset, which means that by taking care of your physical well-being, you will also enhance your mental well-being.
4. Celebrate often
Even though it is not necessary to arrange a party on a daily basis, acknowledging the outstanding achievements of your colleagues and commemorating their triumphs (whether significant or small) can contribute to fostering a greater sense of positivity within the workplace.
Furthermore, receiving recognition does not necessarily require a significant cost. Although bonuses and raises are the preferred methods of acknowledging and appreciating employees, a straightforward expression of gratitude would suffice for 25% of the workforce, making them the happiest.
By implementing frequent and sincere recognition, you will notice that many individuals will reciprocate. Consequently, your entire organization will develop a culture centered around positivity and acknowledgment, propelling them towards future achievements.
5. Keep learning
Continuing to learn, whether it’s in a personal interest or a professional skill, has the potential to foster positivity. When we embrace new things and gain new experiences, we run the risk of forgetting about the wonders of the world if we cease learning.
6. Take breaks
It would be unfortunate if individuals were equipped with batteries, allowing us to determine when we absolutely need to recharge. In the current situation, we frequently continue until we reach a point of exhaustion. Consequently, attempting to maintain a positive mindset at work (as well as in other areas) has become exceedingly challenging.
It is important to take breaks throughout your workday, and if you’re feeling especially tired, it would be beneficial to go on a vacation. Allowing yourself time to rest and rejuvenate will result in increased productivity and overall happiness.
7. Surround yourself with positive people
The old saying “birds of a feather flock together” can be interpreted in two ways. It suggests that either individuals who are alike tend to naturally gravitate towards each other or that being part of a group can eventually make people more alike.
Make sure you are in the company of individuals who have a positive attitude.
If you constantly surround yourself with negative people who constantly complain, you will eventually adopt their behavior and develop a negative perspective of the world.
While you may believe that you can remain optimistic and alter their mindset, this will not prove to be true. Instead, strive to establish connections with individuals who truly enjoy their job, possess innovative thinking, and demonstrate interest in various aspects beyond work. Engaging with such individuals will significantly enhance your overall perspective.
Although you may not have the choice of selecting your coworkers, you can still exercise caution regarding the amount of time you spend with them and the environment in which you interact. In case you find yourself surrounded by a pessimistic group, it is crucial to refrain from engaging in negative behavior. Rather than getting involved in discussions and gossip that propagate negativity in the breakroom, it would be advisable to take breaks and go for a walk.
8. Fill your mind with positive input
Just as the people you surround yourself with influence you to become more similar to them, what you choose to consume shapes your mindset as well. Wear headphones and enjoy optimistic music. Tune in to motivational audiobooks during your commute. Engage in reading materials that provide encouragement. Watch videos and listen to podcasts that are either positive or assist you in enhancing your skills.
If the saying “you are what you eat” is accurate for your body, then what you nourish your mind with determines its condition.
9. Control your language
No, this doesn’t pertain to authorities monitoring language or attempting to use fewer profanities (although the latter is likely advisable). It pertains to the awareness of the words one chooses when speaking and thinking.
The hypothesis known as Sapir-Whorf, which had a significant impact on the film “Arrival,” proposes that the configuration of language influences an individual’s perspective of the world and their thought process. In its most extreme interpretation, the language one uses restricts or defines their ability to comprehend the world.
Yes, it can be considered as a hypothesis.
On a more detailed scale, the everyday language you use, whether in your thoughts or when speaking, has a combined impact on your perception of yourself, your job, and the people around you. Although it may appear insignificant, this can determine whether you view your day as being packed with duties or brimming with chances. The former is exhausting and laborious, leaving you feeling confined in a monotonous routine. Conversely, the latter is exhilarating, offering possibilities and prospects.
It is important to consider how you think and speak at work, taking into account the way you choose to perceive everything and everyone in a positive manner.
10. Don’t rely on an outside source of positivity
Make sure to maintain a positive attitude while thinking step by step.
Consider a positive attitude as a valuable tool for survival; make sure to have it readily available in case of any emergencies.
Ensure that you develop a method for maintaining a positive attitude that does not depend on others or specific circumstances, regardless of whether it involves repeatedly reciting a phrase during stressful times or employing any other technique.
11. Create high points in each day and week
The days leading up to an exciting vacation are one of the best parts because they give you something to look forward to, which can make dreary days more bearable.
Breaking down tasks or days into small “high points” can be an effective strategy to combat exhaustion. Although breaks are crucial, their value varies.
Here are a few suggestions for rephrasing the text while ensuring the same meaning, without adding or removing any information: 1. Consider these sequential recommendations: 2. Ponder over the following step-by-step ideas: 3. Take into account these proposed guidelines: 4. Reflect on these suggested steps: 5. Give thought to the following sequence of suggestions: 6. Contemplate these proposed instructions: 7. Process the following recommendations one by one: 8. Consider these proposed suggestions in a step-by-step manner: 9. Reflect on the suggested course of action, proceeding incrementally: 10. Ponder over the provided suggestions, observing each step.
- Don’t turn to unhealthy food as a reward. You’ll end up with negative effects and a bad habit for junk food or excessive coffee.
- Take breaks outside or away from work when possible.
- Consider a walk, solitude, silence—whatever sounds good and is doable where you work.
- Find a place to read a book not related to work.
When selecting daily high points, it is ideal to choose small and simple activities that do not involve spending money or developing habits that may negatively impact your health or budget, such as walking to the bakery for a donut and coffee every day.
To add some excitement, consider making weekly or monthly highlights slightly grander. For instance, instead of bringing your own lunch, you could opt for dining at a nearby restaurant every Thursday. The idea is to establish something enjoyable that you can eagerly anticipate.
12. Assume responsibility, and choose your response
A positive attitude is immediately extinguished when you refuse to accept responsibility for your actions and your situation, or when you fail to take control of your responses.
By acknowledging any faults or responsibilities when something goes wrong, you create an opportunity to correct your behavior and avoid repeating the same mistakes. Moreover, if you refuse to acknowledge your role, you may adopt a victim mentality where you believe that bad things happen to you.
Viewing life as something you have a degree of control over instead of being subject to fate will result in a more optimistic outlook. Consider it as an equation: E + R = O (event + response = outcome). Your response plays a role in determining the outcome, even in situations beyond your control.
