How Does Negativity Around You Hamper Work Productivity?

Organizations over the globe are grappling with low productivity. Subsequently, they have invested heavily in H.R. technologies that can help manage resources better and improve productivity. However, all the provisions are intended to solve problems of low productivity at a material level, and less emphasis is given at an individual level. A positive work environment is the most significant variable that drive productivity. It is a fundamental factor in achieving high level of growth and productivity since it can bring the best out of the employees, whereas a negative environment can do exactly the opposite thereby hampering the morale of the employees and impacting productivity negatively.

Negativity Around You Hamper Work Productivity

1. Unhealthy competition : 

It is an undisputed fact that competition improves productivity. We have often come across examples of healthy competition across companies operating in the same vertical. But the outcome of the competition has yielded fruitful results. A healthy competition has nudged companies to be productive and improve their performance constantly. The competition is prevalent to the extent that companies launch new products of cutting edge-technology at the end of every quarter of a financial year (for example, smart phones). However, competition amongst counterparts is not the only way of nurturing productivity. Its prevalence within an organization can also be a boon when it comes to achieving high level of productivity. But in order to achieve that, it is imperative that the environment within the company is conducive for a healthy competition. If the workplace environment is engulfed with negativity, there is hardly any scope for a competitive environment. Also, an enmity amongst employees can make them adopt illicit means to stay ahead of their counterparts, with ethics taking a backseat and thereby putting their organization years back than rivals. Therefore, a healthy competition enhances productivity, and an unhealthy one impedes it.

2. Lack of enthusiasm at work : 

Just like a single rotten mango in a crate spoils the rest; a negative person can do the same to the work environment. A negative attitude amongst the employees can be detrimental to a workplace as it radiates and creates an unproductive work environment. Such an attitude is detrimental as it also affects the people willing and capable of performing. With negativity brewing around a workplace, the probability of a person being acclaimed for his/her hard work and performance is zilch. Therefore, the person willing to perform doesn't have any credible incentive to show a progressive attitude and keep performing with the same attitude. This leads to lack of enthusiasm at a workplace, which takes a toll on productivity.

3. Lack of will to take new challenges : 

Companies today have to walk an extra mile when it comes to being innovative and retaining their existing customers. It is only possible to achieve the said goal if they have productive human capital. With people lacking the positive attitude at a workplace, it is difficult for them to be progressive in terms of their performance. Even if they have a think-tank which is wiling to implement new policies instrumental in improving productivity, a negative outlook of the people who actually operate on the grass root level can deter such initiatives. People with negative mindsets lack the will to perform in a responsible manner subsequently affecting the productivity.

A negative work environment is detrimental to an organization. But it is a challenge that can be surmounted with the right approach. Companies have to pro-actively draft policies, which can make the environment devoid of resentment and negativity amongst the employees. Since it is a two-way exchange, it is obligatory for the companies to have empathy towards its employees and create an environment that nurtures positivity.