Everyone has worked in an office or work space that just feels like a downer. Whether everyone is having a bad day or it has become the norm to stay closed off and short with each other, it can be physically exhausting to work in a negative environment. You can complain to HR or even quit, but before taking drastic measures, why not try to be the change? Do your best to bring a positive energy to your workplace. As humans, we feed off of others energies, focus on bringing the room up not down. Here are a few ways to help get you started.

Say Good Morning

Start the day off right by saying good morning to your co-workers as you come into work. Even if you had a rough morning, it can change the dynamic of the day by greeting everyone with a smiling face. You never know what people are going through in their personal life. A positive greeting in the morning to someone that is usually ignored may be just what they need to make it through the day.

Give Compliments

Find at least one nice thing to compliment a co-worker on each day. Even if it is just a small thing, saying something nice is never a negative act. The only thing that can come of it is positivity.

Lend a Helping Hand

If you see someone struggling and you have the time, why not step in and help? Teamwork is such a great motivator at work. Even if it is not your job, simply taking the time to extend a helping hand to someone in need will bring a positive energy to the workplace. Cultivating a teamwork atmosphere works both ways. The next time you are having a bad day or need help, your co-workers will be more likely to step in and help without being asked.

Post Your Thoughts

If there is someone you can see is having a bad day or could use a word of encouragement, leave an anonymous post it note to lift their spirits. Even if it just says “you’re doing a great job” or “I see your hard work”, everyone needs encouragement from time to time. Sometimes just knowing there is someone out there that cares is enough to turn things around for someone.  

Show Gratitude

Showing people that you appreciate them is a huge morale boost and something we should be practicing in our daily lives in and out of the workplace. As humans, we like to know that what we do matters. Simply saying “thank you” or showing a co-worker that you are grateful for them in some way is sure to bring a positive vibe to your work space.

If you dislike the negative energy in your office, there is only one way to make it change; that is by personally taking steps to brighten the space around you. People respond to a positive example so do your best to start the trend.