Creating More Positive Places To Work
Creating More Positive Places To Work
Creating More Positive Places To Work
RIGHT VIEWPOINT™
The uncertain economy has forced many companies to cut Michael Haid
costs in the face of declining revenues. The resulting impact
has set in motion cycles of disruptive changes within most
organizations. Some managers have struggled to handle the
dynamic pace of change. Engagement, retention, productivity
and performance are all suffering as a result of poor com-
munication, erosion of trust, lack of customer focus, ineffec-
tive strategic thinking and the inability to link one’s workforce
with the business strategy.
Many organizations expect their leaders to manage change effectively, but few “When change is handled
companies provide the tools and techniques that leaders need to be success-
effectively, it’s easier to
ful. Consequently, 67% of senior executives and human resource professionals
polled by Right Management say that change at work is frequently having a create more positive
negative impact on workers’ attitudes. If change isn’t handled appropriately and
work environments.”
if people at all levels of the organization are not prepared, then negativity will
follow. But when change is handled effectively, it’s easier to create more positive
work environments.
2
The signals to look for include backstabbing, gossiping, power struggles, lack of
Has negativity at your work-
teamwork and absenteeism. When employees are bewildered by change and place impacted productivity?
struggling to cope and adapt, negativity grows. As a leader, the worst thing you
can do is to remain silent and permit or tolerate bad attitudes. This can result in
your being seen as contributing to negative behaviors.
36%
Workplace negativity is hardly a new phenomenon. But it’s fair to speculate that
61%
difficult business conditions make the situation worse.
Only one-third of the survey respondents said their management takes steps to
address adverse attitudes or actions. It’s very important not to let negativity take
■ Yes,
employees are
hold in an organization. It can travel quickly, and management must take action
struggling to focus............................. 61%
to prevent the erosion of morale and productivity, as well as avoid unwanted
■ Sometimes, but we
turnover. Don’t ignore personality conflicts, territorial battles, sarcastic remarks
and unconstructive criticism. They may become the seeds of organizational address the issues.............................. 36%
■ No,employees are
defeatism and decline.
staying positive..........................................3%
As a leader, you are in a strong position to break the cycle. While you may not
be able to make everyone happy, you can educate and inspire those around you
to embrace a positive attitude.
3
About the Author
TIPS FOR CREATING a POSITIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT Michael Haid is Senior Vice President for
Right Management’s Global Solutions
Team. He is a global thought leader
• Assess. Understand your reactions to changes and your authentic beliefs about for the Talent Management practice,
where these changes are taking the organization. responsible for driving the strategy and
• Start with yourself. Check your language and behaviors; show zero tolerance execution of the organization’s Talent
for negativity, and lead by example. Assessment capabilities. He has more
than 20 years’ experience and he sup-
• Keep open lines of communication. Keep employees informed about what’s ports a network of Regional Champions
happening in the organization and be available to listen to concerns. and Subject Matter Experts to lead the
design and implementation of global,
• Don’t validate or encourage negativity. Counsel the complainer and challenge
scalable solutions for capabilities, such
negative and pessimistic thinking and beliefs.
as competency modeling and individual,
• Ask for solutions. Recognize positive behaviors and ask open-ended questions, team and organizational assessment.
then listen and help develop solutions.
About Right Management
Right Management (www.right.com)
is the talent and career management
CONCLUSION expert within Manpower, a world leader
in innovative workforce solutions. Right
Effectively leading through change will go a long way to ensure your talent is Management helps clients win in the
aligned with the overall business strategy and that employees are committed changing world of work by designing and
to doing their part to achieve business goals. Preparing workforces to respond executing workforce solutions that align
talent strategy with business strategy.
confidently and competently, and to work effectively toward a new direction,
Our expertise spans Talent Assessment,
reduces negative reactions, mitigates the risk of turnover, improves morale and Leader Development, Organizational
boosts productivity. Effectiveness, Employee Engagement, and
Workforce Transition and Outplacement.
With offices in over 50 countries, Right
1
Right Management surveyed 845 individuals in March 2010 via an online poll. Management partners with companies of
2
Right Management surveyed 667 people in December 2009 via an online poll. all sizes. More than 80 percent of Fortune
3
Right Management surveyed 904 employees in October 2009 via an online poll.
4
Right Management surveyed 4,334 individuals in May 2010 via an online poll. 500 companies are currently working with
5
Right Management polled 2,904 workers in August 2010 via an online poll. us to help them grow talent, reduce costs
6
Right Management polled 2,311 workers in August 2010 via an online poll.
7
Right Management surveyed 3,316 individuals in May 2010 via an online poll. and accelerate performance.
Follow us on twitter:
twitter.com/rightupdates
Like us on Facebook:
facebook.com/rightmanagement
Subscribe to Talent@Work
right.com/blog