How to Increase Positivity in the Workplace

Listen, the foundation of human nature is that we like to be free; free to dance how we want, eat what we want, be what we want, and do what we want. The more we are restricted the more upset we get, the more annoyed we get, and the more negative we get. Once you understand that freedom is the key to positivity, you’ll have no trouble increasing employee morale around the office.

While work is a necessity and we like to think people are super happy at the office, the truth is that for the majority that is not the case. Because it is a necessity we have tricked ourselves to not like it. There’s nothing you can do about that though, those feelings are between the employee and their job, but you can change the work space to make your workers happier when they get there. Since people already feel chained by the need to make money, you need to remove some other shackles to make up for it.

Take it easy on breaks; if employees want to spend an extra ten minutes stretching their legs then let them. You cannot relax when you’re on someone else’s time, so take the timer away. Employees will respect it regardless if they take a few extra minutes, and if they don’t then just let them know. Loosen the leash but keep it on.

Also, think of fun ways to give employees things they might not have at home. Perhaps you can arrange weekly massages for employees or bring a popular snack machine into the office. Comfort food is great because, well, it’s comforting. Schedule a health-conscious potluck to accommodate those who prefer a healthier diet; inclusion is the most important policy, after all.

That’s the trick to increasing positivity: people are still children who just want that ice cream. Only they’ve learned that society doesn’t like whining babies so you don’t hear them complain. But you know everyone wants a chance to experience the things that they can’t at home; that’s why vacations happen! They increase positivity! So just give your employees the things they need to be a little free. Keep things new and fresh for employees so that they’ll have something to look forward to when they come to work.

Do you share this perspective on increasing positivity in the workplace? Agree or disagree in the comments below!

IMAGE: Courtesy of Flickr by jb2.0