Adversity in the workplace is common. It can take many forms, such as high-stress environments, interpersonal conflicts, job insecurity, or even personal issues that spill over into professional life.
These challenges can be a catalyst for growth and resilience when handled appropriately.
However, they can also lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and mental health issues if not appropriately addressed. One of the ways that adversity can be mishandled is through toxic positivity.
Definition: Toxic Positivity and Adversity
Toxic Positivity is the overgeneralization of a happy, optimistic state, resulting in the denial, minimization, and invalidation of the authentic human emotional experience.
The excessive and ineffective overemphasis on a positive outlook in situations calls for a more realistic approach.
Conversely, adversity refers to a state of hardship, difficulty, or misfortune that one might encounter in the workplace.
It’s a broad term encompassing a range of experiences, from minor daily challenges to major obstacles impacting job performance and satisfaction.
Five Reasons Why Understanding Toxic Positivity in the Workplace is Dangerous
1. Suppression of Genuine Emotions: Toxic positivity can suppress genuine emotions and toxic traits. When employees feel pressured always to appear happy or positive, they may suppress negative emotions, which can lead to increased stress and emotional exhaustion.
2. Lack of Authentic Communication: It can hinder authentic communication. If employees feel they cannot express their true feelings or concerns, it can lead to a lack of trust and poor communication within the team.
3. Ignorance of Serious Issues: Toxic positivity can cause serious issues to be ignored. By focusing only on the positive, managers may overlook serious problems that must be addressed.
4. Decreased Employee Morale: It can lead to decreased employee morale. When employees feel their emotions are not validated, they may feel undervalued and unappreciated, leading to reduced job satisfaction and morale.
5. Increased Turnover: Toxic positivity can lead to increased turnover. If employees feel they cannot express their true feelings, they may leave the organization for one that values emotional honesty and authenticity.
Seven Signs of Toxic Positivity in the Workplace
- Dismissal of Negative Emotions: Negative emotions are quickly dismissed or invalidated.
- Overemphasis on Positivity: There’s an excessive focus on maintaining a positive outlook, regardless of the situation.
- Lack of Emotional Support: Employees feel unsupported when expressing negative emotions or facing challenges.
- Avoidance of Difficult Conversations: Difficult conversations are avoided, and issues are swept under the rug.
- Feeling Guilty for Expressing Negative Emotions: Employees feel guilty or are made to feel guilty for expressing negative emotions.
- One-dimensional Communication: Communication is one-dimensional, focusing only on positive aspects.
- High Employee Turnover: There’s a high turnover rate, with employees leaving due to the lack of emotional authenticity.
Eight Ways to Overcome Toxic Positivity in the Workplace
- Promote Emotional Intelligence: Encourage understanding and management of emotions healthily.
- Encourage Authentic Communication: Foster an environment where employees feel safe to express their true feelings.
- Provide Emotional Support: Offer support when employees face challenges or negative emotions.
- Address Issues Head-On: Don’t avoid difficult conversations. Address issues directly and constructively.
- Promote Balance: Encourage a balance between positive and negative emotions. It’s okay not to be OK sometimes.
- Train Leadership: Train managers and leaders to recognize and avoid toxic positivity.
- Implement Wellness Programs: Wellness programs can help employees manage stress and promote mental health.
- Seek Professional Help: If toxic positivity has become a serious issue, consider seeking help from a professional, such as an organizational psychologist.
Conclusion
While positivity in the workplace is generally beneficial, it becomes toxic when it invalidates genuine emotions and experiences.
Recognizing and addressing toxic positivity is crucial for maintaining a healthy, authentic, and productive work environment.
Organizations can overcome toxic positivity and foster a more supportive and understanding workplace culture by promoting emotional intelligence, encouraging authentic communication, and providing the necessary support.
With 30+ years of experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A., PGDip, founded Oak Innovation in 1995. Catherine received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s from University College Cork. She holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. She is completing a second Master’s from University College Cork. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.
