We’ve all been there! Our night didn’t go as planned, we had a fight with our partner, best friend, or simply life has just been tough lately. We still have the responsibility of going to work with those obstacles presented in front of us. In our position as orthodontic assistants a lot of our work involves communication with the doctor, staff, patients and parents. Some days it’ may seem impossible to smile and feel cheerful when we find ourselves dealing with issues outside of the office. Let’s talk about how negativity in the workplace can affect the office as well as what to do about it!

Negativity can cause a great deal of problems in an office environment. Negativity in the office comes in many forms. If these issues aren’t addressed, there’s a domino affect that can occur in the office and cause a lot of disruption including office culture being greatly affected.

Ways we communicate negativity:

  • Complaining
  • Putting others down
  • Gossiping about co-workers or your boss
  • Coming in to work late or calling off
  • Coming to work with a negative attitude

Ways to communicate positivity:

  • Walk in the office greeting everyone with a smile on your face
  • Acknowledge your co-workers and their personal milestones (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)
  • Help each other out TEAMWORK!
  • Be constructive, positive, and pleasant
  • Never criticize

It’s important to try your best to start the day with a smile on your face. Not only will your day run smooth but your co-workers will appreciate the positive energy you exude. If a co-worker is having a bad day, try and lead by example. You are who you hang out with! Patients also feel more comfortable when they are in the office for their appointments. You may not think they observe what’s going on around them but believe me, they do!

Written by: Norma Abrica