It might seem counterintuitive to suggest that positivity can be harmful. However, when positivity becomes excessive and ignores genuine issues , it can morph into something damaging: toxic positivity. This phenomenon can have far-reaching consequences in the workplace, undermining trust, morale, and even organisational success.
In this post:
What Is Toxic Positivity?
Toxic positivity refers to the relentless promotion of a happy, optimistic state regardless of circumstances. While positivity can be a powerful tool for resilience, toxic positivity dismisses or minimises negative emotions, forcing individuals to suppress their genuine feelings. Phrases like “Stay positive,” “Look on the bright side,” or “It could be worse” are hallmarks of this mindset.
In the workplace, toxic positivity often manifests through a culture that discourages the expression of difficulties or negative emotions. This can lead employees to feel unsupported, misunderstood, and undervalued.
We also see it when it comes to reviewing employee survey results. Where leadership teams are overly focussed on positive messaging they can lose site of the areas that might need genuine improvement.
What does toxic positivity look like in reality?
A large multinational company implemented a “Good Vibes Only” policy during a major organisational restructure.
Employees were encouraged to avoid negative discussions and focus solely on future opportunities.
This led to widespread frustration as legitimate concerns about job security, workload, and career progression were dismissed.
Employee engagement surveys revealed a significant drop in trust towards leadership, with many employees feeling silenced and invalidated.
A start-up with high employee turnover tried to boost morale by adopting a “think positive” mantra.
When employees raised concerns about burnout and unrealistic deadlines, management responded with statements like “We’re all in this together” and “Keep smiling – we’re building something great!”
These responses trivialised employee struggles, resulting in increased employee turnover and a reputation for poor workplace culture.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some organisations demanded unwavering positivity despite the unprecedented challenges employees faced.
For example, one company publicly praised its “resilient workforce” while ignoring requests for better remote working support.
This disconnect led to widespread dissatisfaction, with employees criticising the organisation for being out of touch with their needs.
Why Toxic Positivity Is Harmful
Emotional Invalidation
Being overly positive disregards the full spectrum of human emotions, making employees feel their concerns are unimportant. This can lead to disengagement and a lack of psychological safety in the workplace.
Suppression of Genuine Feedback
When employees fear being labelled as negative, they may withhold honest feedback. This stifles innovation and prevents organisations from addressing critical issues.
Burnout and Stress
A culture that prioritises positivity over authenticity can exacerbate stress and burnout. Employees feel pressure to maintain a facade of happiness, which can lead to emotional exhaustion.
Erosion of Trust
Employees who feel dismissed or unheard are less likely to trust leadership. This can have long-term consequences for engagement and retention.
Change and Continuous Improvement is Stifled
One of the biggest effects of toxic positivity is that it can lead organisations to negate or even ignore genuine issues that need fixing. Where there is a relentless focus on the positive, it can lead employees to become disillusioned as they continue to struggle with day to day problems, whilst management proudly communicate everything that is positive.
How to Recognise Toxic Positivity in the Workplace
Dismissive Language:
Phrases like “Just be positive” or “Everything happens for a reason” when employees voice concerns.
Pressure to Conform:
An expectation that employees must always be upbeat, regardless of their circumstances.
Avoidance of Difficult Topics:
A reluctance to address challenges or negative feedback.
How to Combat Toxic Positivity
Encourage Open Communication
Create a culture where employees feel safe to express their feelings and concerns without fear of judgment. Actively listen to their feedback and validate their experiences.
Balance Optimism with Realism
While positivity is important, it should be balanced with a realistic acknowledgment of challenges. For example, instead of saying, “Let’s focus on the positives,” try “This is a tough situation, but we’ll work through it together.”
Provide Emotional Support
Offer resources such as mental health programmes, employee assistance schemes, or regular one-to-one check-ins with managers. Ensure these initiatives are accessible and inclusive.
Train Leaders to Be Empathetic
Equip managers with the skills to handle difficult conversations empathetically. Empathetic leadership fosters trust and helps employees feel valued.
Foster a Healthy Work Environment
Promote a culture that values authenticity and transparency. Recognise and reward employees for their contributions while addressing systemic issues that may cause dissatisfaction.
In conclusion
Healthy positivity acknowledges the full range of human emotions and uses optimism as a tool for growth rather than denial. Organisations that embrace authentic positivity create environments where employees feel supported, empowered, and engaged.
By recognising and addressing toxic positivity, organisations can foster genuine connections, improve morale, and drive long-term success. After all, a workplace where people feel heard and valued is one where they can truly thrive.