Too Much Positivity?

Can too much positivity in the workplace be toxic? Well, that depends…

 We are all very familiar with negative workplaces. These are the qualities that created the “toxic workplace” label. There is a new type of toxicity in the workplace though…positive toxicity.

 Positivity is wonderful when it is grounded in reality. It must be balanced, genuine and authentic. A positive work culture fosters growth, inclusion, welcomes diversity, and is a safe space. This positive culture becomes toxic when there must be positivity at all times in everything. Here are 6 things that can happen in a positive toxic workplace:

 1.       Genuine feedback is inhibited. Constructive feedback is necessary for growth. In a positive toxic workplace the only feedback given is that all is wonderful. There is lots of talking about individual shortcomings behind closed doors, yet the feedback is never given because it can be construed as negative. This impairs the individual as well as the company.

2.       Everyone must be positive all the time. We work in this great company with these amazing values. We are checking off all of the boxes of what we should do to appear advanced in the public eye. Yet there is a feeling that this positivity is forced. It feels like there is a list that is being checked off and the interactions are not genuine or authentic. It feels fake. The workplace does not feel like a safe place to truly express yourself.

3.       The need to be diverse creates cliques behind closed doors. When different perspectives are not genuinely welcome in the workplace, it creates cliques behind closed doors. This can also be reflected in hiring practices where managers continually hire the same type of person. Since it is taboo to discriminate the discrimination still happens though it is more hidden. Outwardly it appears that everyone has an equal chance at an opportunity though in reality only a certain demographic will be considered. Of course there is the token hire for diversity, but there is still much evidence of bias.

4.       There is an air of exclusion. Because of the pressure to be perceived as a positive workplace, when in reality it is not, all of the real conversations happen behind closed doors. This creates a feeling of exclusion among the staff who are not privy to those conversations. The staff know that conversations are not genuine. They may be part of some constructive conversations of others which makes them wonder what is being said about themselves when they are not in the room. The staff know that there is a lack of truthfulness which leads to a lack of trust in leadership. This kills collaboration and makes people work in silos leading to a lack of creativity and growth.

5.       It is not a safe environment. When the workplace and leadership lack authenticity, the staff do not feel safe to express themselves fully. They may think that they can only express the positive aspects of their job and ignore the negative. Since the negative, which are really growth opportunities, are not addressed, they fester under the surface creating a toxic environment. Again, this impairs the innovation, growth and efficiency of the teams.

6.       Frenemies are everywhere. With a lack of trust in leadership, a fake air of positivity, and an unsafe workplace, there are a lack of genuine connections. The staff become frenemies instead of supportive, collaborative teammates. They hold back their true thoughts and ideas because they are unsure how they will be received resulting in stagnation.

 Toxic is toxic. It does not matter if it is negative or positive. As you can see, many of the traits of a positive toxic workplace are the same as a negative toxic workplace. The positive toxic cultures have the right ideas, though their execution is flawed. The healthiest workplaces have balance, understanding that people have good days and bad days. These workplaces support individual and team growth. They don’t ignore aspects of the work that may be perceived as negative. They look at these aspects as positive opportunities to learn and grow to create a stronger and healthier workplace. The key is to remain genuine and to truly care for the people you work with and for. It really is that easy.