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5 habits of positive people in the workplace

Words by Smiley Team

Positive thinking has many advantages when it comes to the workplace. Those who are upbeat tend to be more socially connected, healthier, and more prosperous in their careers – and employees who are happy, giving, forgiving and courteous are the best team players.

Businesses throughout the US use the power of positivity to succeed at work – giving back to people in the process. In the words of serial entrepreneur, Gary Vaynerchuk, also known as Gary Vee, “Make happiness louder.”

Some credit positivity as being key to creating safer working environments and decent work for all – a crucial step forward for our world, and related to UN goal 8. So what are some of the positive habits these uplifting people hold? We spoke to businesses across the US to find out how harnessing positivity at work makes for better workforces and more rewarding outcomes. 

They don't let fear get the better of them.

Fear is at the foundation of most of our problems. Positive people try not to succumb to the temptation to succumb of their anxieties. They look at scary situations as an opportunity to grow and learn.

Chantell Suggs, owner of Addilyn Rose Boutique in Wilmington, IL, explained her experience with opening her new boutique and mind-setting techniques to keep going. “I knew from a child I always wanted to be a business owner, but starting something that you have no experience in is very scary. Although I was scared, I took the leap and did it anyway, and I’m glad I did.”

[Also read: Happiness is not a solo pursuit]

They discard negative relationships.

There’s been a lot of talk about the Great Resignation in the US, where more than 4.4 million people quit their jobs in September 2021. 

Many were leaving companies where they felt undervalued, overworked, or where the work environment was toxic. One of those workers was Maliah Alexander. She says, “I worked for a small business, the owner routinely told us to treat the business like it's our own – but he underpaid and verbally abused staff.” She is no longer with this employer. 

“One thing Covid did was allow us to evaluate our lives and choose happiness. Life is too short to settle for anything less,” says Maliah.

This is a trend growing among the Gen-Z population to see value, purpose, and trust within their employers. 

They meditate.

No longer a practise for a small minority, more people are taking to meditate to help them stay calm and cope with the challenges of everyday life.

The nonprofit Mediation Initiative is a great place for this. They empower people to change their lives, by providing free meditation to anyone anywhere. 

They are excellent communicators.

Positive people in the workplace have good interpersonal and verbal skills. They have a good sense of humor, are good listeners, and are supportive and fair to others. 

They never blame others or put themselves down.

Positive people know that they have control over their own actions. Those who are dissatisfied take action to remedy the situation. They accept responsibility for their actions, admit their mistakes, and apologize when necessary.

Inspired to act?

GET INVOLVED: Find out more about the Mediation Initiative, which aims to offer free meditation to those who need it most. 

PARTNER: Partner with the Positivity Project, an initiative wanting to help the country by instilling happiness and building positive relationships in youth. Find out more. 

READ: Get a weekly dose of positive news to show you the good things in life by signing up to the Smiley News newsletter

 

This article aligns with the following UN SDGs

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