An appropriate attitude to work is demonstrated when employees are positive about their job role, enjoy coming to work, provide support for other co-workers, are willing to take on new tasks, work hard and take their responsibilities at work seriously. Creating and maintaining a positive attitude amongst workers is important for morale, problem solving, skill development and ultimately productivity in the workplace.
Conversely, those who consistently demonstrate a negative attitude or negative thinking can have an adverse effect in the workplace, impacting on individual work performance as well as job satisfaction amongst co-workers. Negative thinking can be linked to depression, which can present as a primary illness or as a result of disability.
There are a number of strategies, aids and support services available to assist in promoting a more positive attitude in the workplace.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
On the job strategies
- role play or demonstrate desired or more appropriate behaviours (for example, showing support for co-workers at work), then allow the worker the opportunity to practice for themselves, providing appropriate feedback (appointing a mentor for this purpose may be effective)
- praise behaviours which demonstrate a more positive attitude (this can be as easy as a simple "well done" or showing gratitude for a change in attitude)
- establish clear goals or expectations (setting clear targets helps workers to achieve and feel a sense of accomplishment or purpose in their work – visual performance charts may assist with goal setting, see relevant link below)
- offer rewards for achieving goals and good job performance (including financial and other tangible rewards)
- foster a healthy lifestyle for workers, for example, be conscious of stress levels in the workplace, encourage physical fitness and if lunches are provided, make healthy foods available. See link below for more information:
- manage negative emotions at work. See links below for more information:
(Accel Team 2007)
Aids
Visual performance charts may be useful in providing a quick and easy means of tracking progress against set goals or targets. Individuals can see that they are achieving or working towards completing work goals, which can create a positive attitude towards work. See link below for more information:
Support services
A trained psychologist or counsellor may be able to assist workers challenge negative thoughts and change thinking patterns through techniques such as reframing (for instance, taking a different point of view) and introducing the use of more positive language or self talk. Relevant support is available via the following links:
Lastly, specialist employment agencies (who provide coaching and support on the job for those with a disability) may also be able to assist with the development of a more appropriate or positive attitude at work. See Australian Job Search—Disability Employment Network in the Relevant Links section for a list of suitable agencies providing this service. For more information on strategies to assist with promoting a more positive attitude in the workplace see the links below:
References
Accel Team 2007, Employee Motivation: Theory and Practice, Accel Team, Cumbria, viewed 1 July 2007, http://www.accel-team.com/motivation/index.html