According to Yale sociologist Nicholas Christakis and Professor of Political Science And Medicine at the University of California James Fowler, a 20 year long study found that happiness is increased through social interaction and every happy person in your network increases your chances of happiness.
- Low morale is also found to be spread from one employee to another. Professor Sigal Barsade’s research shows that a person’s emotions can spread in a group in an excessive speed.
- The same goes for work ethic and how a co-worker’s attitude to work effects the other employees’ behavior. If someone in the team isn’t pulling their weight, the others also stop contributing.
- Stress is just as contagious. If a co-worker is stressed and they’re showing signs such as frustration, anger and detachment they will spread these emotions and effect other employees. When negative emotions are spread within the team, everyone loses their productivity, get exhausted and irritated with their work load.
According to Barsade, to treat this situation, the employees need to pay attention to their emotions, communicate in a positive way and show kindness to one another. Compassion and tenderness help employees have more work satisfaction and less stress.
What can leaders and managers do:
- Identify unhappy employees and empower them.
- Celebrate successes of your team.
- Encourage kinder work relationships.
- Create a clear line of communication within the team.
The positivity will spread and help your employees feel better, healthier and more productive.
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