Why Toxic Positivity is Bad for Business

Imagine walking into work on a Monday morning feeling groggy and not too thrilled to be back at work, and your colleague greets you with a big, bright smile, exclaiming, "Good morning! It's a beautiful day; let's have positive vibes!"

Although your colleague's enthusiasm is contagious, it can also be a tad bit overwhelming. You might wonder if they're genuinely happy or just trying to mask their genuine emotions.

This scenario exemplifies what experts call "toxic positivity" in the workplace. This term refers to overemphasizing having a positive mindset to the point where it becomes unrealistic, unhelpful, and even harmful.

In other words, it's the idea that you should always be happy, optimistic, and cheerful, even in adversity. Unrealistic expectations of positivity can create a culture of denial, where people feel pressure to suppress their negative emotions and pretend that everything is okay.

This blog post will explore toxic positivity, why it's problematic, and how toxic positivity can be avoided in the workplace.

What is toxic positivity?

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Toxic positivity is the belief that we should maintain a positive attitude in all circumstances, no matter how dire the situation is. It suggests that we should always focus on the good and ignore the negative aspects of our lives. The idea behind toxic positivity is that a positive attitude can help us overcome any challenge and that emotions such as sadness, anger, and frustration only hold us back. However, this perspective is problematic and can harm us and increase negative thoughts.

Toxic positivity can take many forms, such as telling someone to "just stay positive," "look on the bright side," or "good vibes only." While these statements might seem helpful, they can actually be dismissive and invalidate a person's feelings. For example, if someone is going through a tough time, telling them to "just think positive" can make them feel like their emotions are a burden and that they must suppress them.

Toxic positivity can also be present in the workplace, where there is often pressure to maintain positive vibes or attitude and be productive at all times. This can create a culture of denial, where people feel like they have to hide their negative feelings and pretend that everything is okay. This denial can lead to burnout, as employees feel they can't express their true feelings and must put on a facade to please their bosses.

Overall, toxic positivity refers to a harmful belief that can negatively impact our mental wellbeing. It's essential to recognize that it's okay to experience negative emotions and that expressing them is healthy. By acknowledging our feelings, we can learn from them and use them as a tool for personal growth.

Why is toxic positivity problematic?

Toxic positivity can be problematic for several reasons.

First, it can create an environment where individuals must put on a false persona and hide their true emotions. This can lead to a lack of authenticity and ultimately affect mental well-being, as individuals may feel pressure to constantly put on a positive front, even when facing difficult situations.

Moreover, toxic positivity can undermine the importance of acknowledging negative feelings and experiences. It can trivialize individuals' struggles and perpetuate the notion that only positive emotions are acceptable or desirable. It is particularly damaging in a workplace setting, where individuals may feel that they cannot discuss their concerns or difficulties for fear of being seen as negative or not being a team player.

Erin from "The Office" is a great example of toxic positivity in my opinion.

Additionally, it can breed a culture of denial, where individuals feel pressured to suppress their emotions. This can lead to avoiding necessary conflict, as individuals may fear colleagues recognizing them as pessimistic or disrupting the positive culture. It can also lead to a lack of problem-solving and innovation, as individuals may not feel comfortable expressing their concerns or challenging the status quo.

Furthermore, toxic positivity can perpetuate inequality and dismiss the experiences of marginalized groups. For example, suppose an individual from a marginalized group expresses negative feelings about discrimination or bias. In that case, a response of toxic positivity may trivialize their experiences and dismiss their concerns. This can perpetuate systemic inequalities and make it difficult for marginalized individuals to have their voices heard.

The Effects of Toxic Positivity on Mental Health

Toxic positivity is a phenomenon that has gained attention in recent years due to its detrimental effects on mental well-being. When people are constantly pressured to think positively and hide their feelings, they begin to feel guilty for having them.

One of the main problems with toxic positivity is that it can create a sense of shame and guilt for experiencing negative emotions. People may feel like they're not strong enough to handle their feelings alone and should be able to think positively all the time. This can make individuals reluctant to seek help when needed, exacerbating mental health issues over time.

Furthermore, suppressing emotions can also lead to physical symptoms impacting mental well-being. Headaches, insomnia, and digestive issues are common physical symptoms of suppressing emotions, and they can make it difficult for individuals to focus on their job duties or perform well at work. As a result, individuals may feel even more stressed and overwhelmed, leading to further declines in their mental well-being.

How to avoid toxic positivity in the workplace

If you're wondering how toxic positivity can be avoided, here are some tips:

1. Encourage open communication and honesty

One way to avoid toxicity is to encourage open communication and honesty. You must create a safe culture where employees can express their emotions without fear of judgment or retaliation.

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Shh... Just listen.

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It's also essential to actively listen to team members when they do share their thoughts and feelings. This means paying attention to what they are saying, asking questions to clarify, and showing empathy and understanding. By actively listening, managers can create a safe space for team members to express themselves and foster an environment where honesty is valued. Additionally, managers can address any issues arising from these conversations, which can help prevent toxic positivity from taking hold in the workplace.

As a manager or team leader, you can set the tone by sharing your own struggles and challenges. Encourage your team to check in with each other and ask how they're really doing. Let them know it's okay to take mental health days if needed. By being vulnerable and transparent, you can create a culture where it's okay to not be okay.

2. Validate negative emotions

Acknowledging team members' emotions (positive or negative) is essential when building realistic levels of positivity. Instead of brushing them aside or dismissing them, it's crucial to validate these emotions and provide support. Employees feeling like their emotions are seen and heard can create a sense of psychological safety within the team. This psychological safety can help build trust among team members and create a more open and honest work environment.

Leaders can start by checking in with their team regularly. Ask team members how they feel and encourage them to share frustrations or concerns. Leaders can also provide resources and support for team members struggling with how they feel. This can include access to resources, flexible work arrangements, or simply having an open-door policy where team members can come to discuss their concerns.

It's important to note that acknowledging these negative thoughts doesn't mean dwelling on them. Encourage your colleagues to acknowledge their feelings, but also help them shift their focus to potential solutions.

3. Encourage realistic positivity

Encouraging realistic positivity is crucial. It involves finding a balance between recognizing the challenges and identifying potential solutions.

One way to promote realistic positivity is by encouraging your colleagues to practice positive reframing. Instead of saying, "I can't do this," encourage them to reframe the thought to "This is challenging, but I can learn and grow from it." This simple shift in language can help promote a growth mindset.

4. Focus on solutions, not just positivity

Focusing on solutions is critical to avoiding toxic positivity culture in the workplace. While it's essential to acknowledge how people are feeling and empathize with your team members, dwelling on problems without looking for solutions can lead to a culture of negativity.

By encouraging your team to brainstorm ideas and work together to find solutions to challenges, you can help shift the focus from the problem to the potential solutions. This approach can boost team morale, encourage creativity and innovation, and create a problem-solving culture.

One way to promote solution-focused thinking is to organize brainstorming sessions or team meetings where everyone is encouraged to share their ideas freely. You can set aside time during weekly meetings to discuss the challenges and obstacles that your team is facing and work together to find potential solutions. Additionally, you can provide your team with the tools and resources they need to solve problems, such as training programs, software, or other resources that can help them develop new skills and approaches.

It's important to remember that finding solutions to complex problems may take time and require a trial-and-error approach. Encouraging your team to experiment with different resolutions and strategies can help build resilience and create a culture of learning from mistakes. As a leader, you can help your team stay focused on solutions by modeling positive behavior, staying open-minded, and recognizing team members' contributions. Focusing on solutions can help your team overcome challenges, boost productivity, and create a truly positive work environment.

5. Practice empathy

Practicing empathy in the workplace is a crucial step in avoiding toxic positivity. It involves trying to understand the emotions and perspectives of your team members, which can help foster stronger relationships and improve communication. By practicing empathy, you can create a safe space where people feel comfortable expressing their authentic emotions without fear of judgment or shame. This, in turn, can lead to a more positive and productive work environment.

As a boss, you don't have put up a front all the time; it's okay to be human.

Empathy involves active listening and engaging with your team members to understand their feelings and experiences. When listening, recognize that everyone's experiences and emotions are valid, even if they don't align with yours. It also requires putting yourself in their shoes and seeing things from their perspective. By practicing empathy, you can build trust and understanding with your team, leading to more effective collaboration and problem-solving.

Creating an open and supportive environment where people feel comfortable sharing their emotions is essential for leaders to practice empathy. You can set aside time for team members to share their experiences and feelings or simply be attentive when someone needs to talk. It's also important to avoid judgment or criticism and instead focus on actively listening and understanding. You can build stronger relationships with your team by creating a culture of empathy.

6. Be mindful of company language

In the workplace, being mindful of our language when communicating with colleagues is paramount. Using language that suggests what a team member feels is destructive or that positivity is the only acceptable emotion can be harmful and dismissive of someone's feelings. For example, when someone struggles with a difficult situation, telling them to "just look on the bright side" or "positive vibes" can be insensitive and dismissive of their emotions.

Rather than forcing someone to be positive, allowing them to express their emotions in a safe and supportive environment is important. It's essential to validate their emotions and let them know it's okay to feel what they're feeling. This can help to foster trust and connection between colleagues, creating a more positive and supportive workplace culture.

Furthermore, it's important to remember that negative emotions can often be helpful and serve a purpose. For instance, sadness or anger can indicate that something needs to change or a problem needs addressing. By dismissing how we feel, we may miss out on opportunities for personal and professional growth and improvement. Instead, we can learn to embrace and work through these emotions, allowing us to learn and grow from difficult situations.

7. Encourage self-care

Encouraging self-care is one of the most critical steps in avoiding unrealistic expectations of positivity in the workplace. Recognizing that taking care of oneself physically and mentally is crucial to maintaining good health.

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Maybe "good vibes" is them not being at work, so encouraging your team to take breaks and disconnect from work can help prevent burnout and promote overall well-being. Suggesting mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help individuals manage stress and improve mental clarity.

Moreover, creating a culture where seeking support is encouraged and normalized is necessary. You can provide resources and support for employees struggling with mental health issues or personal problems. By doing so, employees can feel more comfortable seeking help when needed instead of feeling like they have to hide their struggles to maintain a cheerful facade.

It's important to note that promoting self-care should not be seen as a one-time event but rather an ongoing effort. Encourage your team members to prioritize their mental and physical health and regularly check in with them to ensure they have the necessary resources and support to maintain their well-being. By prioritizing self-care and creating a supportive culture, you can help prevent toxic positivity from taking hold in your workplace.

8. Offer support and resources

One way to support your colleagues in the workplace is by providing access to resources that can aid in managing stress and building resilience. This includes mental health services, employee assistance programs, and stress management workshops. Having these readily available resources can make it easier for individuals to seek help without feeling ashamed or guilty. It can also create a culture that encourages people to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being, leading to a more positive and productive workplace environment.

It's fundamental to communicate the availability of these resources to your colleagues in a non-judgmental way. For instance, you can share information about mental health services during orientation or via email newsletters. You can also create a designated space for resources where employees can access information privately. By doing so, you can ensure that everyone has access to the help they need and promote a culture of openness and support.

Offering support and resources is especially crucial during times of change or crisis. Whether it's a company-wide reorganization or a personal issue, having access to resources can help individuals manage stress and build resilience. Additionally, providing support during these times can help build trust and loyalty among colleagues, creating a stronger and more connected workplace community.

9. Lead by example

As a leader, your actions and words significantly impact your team's behavior and attitude. If you want to create a positive and supportive workplace culture, you must embody these qualities yourself. Leading by example means modeling the behavior you want to see in your team. Show your team how to be respectful, empathetic, and supportive of one another. This can help to foster an environment where people feel valued and appreciated, leading to better job satisfaction and engagement.

An easy way to do this is to request feedback. True, you may receive negative feedback, but use them to make significant improvements to your team culture.

Conclusion

Toxic positivity may seem harmless at first glance, but it can be problematic in the workplace. By acknowledging negative emotions, practicing empathy, encouraging realistic positivity, and offering support and resources, you can create a supportive and compassionate environment where people feel heard, validated, and empowered to overcome challenges.

So, let's ditch the toxic positivity and embrace a more realistic and compassionate approach to mental health in the workplace.

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▶️ Introduction

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💀 What is toxic positivity?

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⚠️ Why is toxic positivity problematic?

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👀 The Effects of Toxic Positivity on Mental Health

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😎 How to avoid toxic positivity in the workplace

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