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We’ve all come across them – that negative colleague who does not have a good word to say about their work, the company or management. Any new initiative is quickly slandered so organisational change is difficult. Given the chance they will spend all day complaining about their work related lot and it really isn’t very pleasant having to listen to it, is it? So how to deal with a negative employee?
Well, the first thing is don’t ignore the negativity. If left undealt with, the individual will start to influence other members of staff with their negative attitude. They will undermine and sabotage the company. The individual can reduce morale and ultimately cause a loss in profits.
You must speak to the employee privately to address the actions that you have seen giving at least two specific examples of where their behaviour has fallen short. Examples could include where they have criticised something about the business or the work they do or where they have failed to take the initiative with a required work duty. Alternatively the individual may appear constantly hostile or aggressive to work colleagues makinglife very unpleasant.
The individual may not realise the impact their behaviour is having in the work environment. If it is drawn to their attention, it made come to an end quickly. They may share reasons with you for their behaviour which you may be able to help them overcome with support. If you resolve the problem the employee may become happier. However, if the negative attitude can not be resolved after the conversation, then you must take further action.
Further action could mean a documented formal meeting in which clear expectations of behaviour are laid down where the employee is clearly made aware that without improvement disciplinary action could be taken.