The Power of Positive Thinking in the Workplace

The power of positive thinking can be transformative for a workplace. A simple shift in attitude can make a world of difference in how employees interact with each other, the office environment, and the organization’s success. 

In this article, we will examine how positive thinking can lead to powerful changes at work, and how you can shift your workplace attitude and mindset to be more positive. 

Positive Thinking: What It Does to an Organization

Positive thinking makes a variety of improvements across an organization. It can help to boost morale, reduce stress, improve employee communication, and even increase productivity. However, creating a positive and comfortable work environment that elevates morale and quality of work is no easy task. 

Here’s a look at how to easily implement positive thinking in your workplace. 

Power of Positive Thinking: Overcoming Obstacles 

While the benefits of positive thinking are clear, it can be difficult to maintain a positive mindset in a challenging or stressful work environment. Recognizing and addressing the obstacles to positive thinking can improve your ability to remain optimistic and in good spirits. 

There are three main obstacles to overcome when setting a positive mindset. 

Overcoming Negativity Bias 

Our brains tend to focus on negative experiences, bad news, and worst-case scenarios. This can easily lead to a downward spiral of negative thinking. To overcome this, try to seek out positive experiences and good news consciously. Also, practice daily gratitude. 

When talking about or thinking about your day, try not to immediately focus on what went wrong or what was negative. Instead, start with, “One good thing that happened today was ______.”  Additionally, try to minimize bad news, whether national or company news. 

Finally, make it a point to practice gratitude daily. Finding things you are grateful for and appreciative of throughout your day is a great way to stay positive, both personally and in your professional life.

Reducing Stress 

When stressed, it’s easy to fall into a negative thinking pattern. Stress leads to feelings of overwhelm and hopelessness. To help minimize stress, ensure you are taking care of yourself. Get ample sleep, eat well, exercise regularly, and minimize alcohol or over-the-counter medication use. 

In addition, delegate work tasks where you can and ask for help when needed. Simple stress-reducing actions can make a huge difference in shifting your mindset from a negative focus to a more positive one. 

Separating Yourself from Negative Coworkers 

Negative coworkers can be a significant obstacle to positive thinking. If you surround yourself with negative thinkers, you will inevitably see your mood and mindset suffer. To overcome this, surround yourself with positive and supportive colleagues. 

Seek out coworkers who are solution-oriented, not problem-dwellers. Try to spend your breaks and inter-office functions with positive and goal-oriented colleagues. 

Implementing Positive Thinking in Your Workplace

Now that we’ve examined the benefits of positive thinking and how to overcome obstacles to get there, here is a look at how implement positive thinking in your workplace. 

There are five simple actions you can implement immediately to work towards a more productive, positive, and efficient workplace. 

• Lead by example. Whether you’re a project leader or acting in a daily managerial role, positive thinking can be taught and led by example.

• Encourage and promote gratitude. Regularly encourage your team members and employees to express gratitude. Whether at a team meeting or in casual conversation, encourage those around you to share what they’re grateful for, and begin with expressing gratitude yourself.

• Cultivate a positive work environment. Create a workplace that promotes positive thinking and good energy. This starts with simple actions such as brightening the workspaces and stretches to more concrete efforts to be inclusive for all team members. 

• Encourage and support team bonding. Positive thinking is contagious. Create activities, projects, and team-building activities where colleagues feel connected and supported. 

• Celebrate successes and achievements. Recognizing and celebrating individual and team successes helps to create a sense of accomplishment and contribution. 

Rely on ASAP 

When employees feel positive and motivated, they are more productive and contribute to a happier workplace environment. For more information on how to elevate your workplace, turn to ASAP. We have a variety of webinars, training resources, and in-person events ready to help you improve your skills and overall workplace culture.