Workplace positivity boosts business success.

Given these numbers, isn’t it time to focus more on cultivating positivity in the workplace? The benefits are undeniable. For individuals, positive emotions lead to better health, longer life, increased creativity, and improved resilience. For teams and organisations, positivity attracts top talent, reduces absenteeism, boosts motivation and performance, enhances customer satisfaction, and ultimately drives better financial results.

Gallup’s 142-country study on the State of the Global Workplace reveals a startling statistic: only 13% of employees worldwide feel engaged at work. Even more concerning, 24% are “actively disengaged,” meaning they are not only unhappy and unproductive but also likely to spread negativity to their colleagues.

Here are six actionable strategies to foster positive emotions in yourself, your team, and your business:

1. Practice Gratitude and Kindness
   Simple acts of gratitude can transform workplace dynamics. A heartfelt “thank you” or a formal letter of appreciation can create a ripple effect of positivity. How can you show appreciation to colleagues, managers, customers, suppliers, or partners? Small gestures—like acknowledging someone’s effort—build stronger relationships and a more positive atmosphere.
   
2. Foster Forgiveness and Support
   Let go of past grievances to focus on the present. Forgiveness helps individuals move forward with clarity and purpose. Build a supportive environment by encouraging collaboration and providing resources for growth. Inspire others by sharing uplifting stories or videos, or consider hiring a coach or mentor for guidance. At the team level, create a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning and innovation.
   
3. Celebrate Achievements
   Take time to savour successes—both big and small. Celebrate individual and team accomplishments by sharing stories, displaying awards, or maintaining a “victory log.” These practices reinforce a sense of pride and achievement. Even simple acts like smiling more often can uplift the mood of an entire team.
   
4. Embrace Mindfulness
   Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment. Encourage practices like mindful breathing, taking breaks to enjoy meals without distractions, or engaging in meditation sessions. Reflect on where your energy is focused: Are you dwelling on the past, worrying about the future, or living in the present? Teams that embrace mindfulness often experience greater focus and reduced stress.
   
5. Prioritise Growth and Development
   Personal growth fuels positivity. Encourage employees to take on new challenges that align with their strengths and interests. Whether through training programs, skill-building workshops, or cross-functional projects, investing in development boosts confidence and morale while fostering innovation at all levels.
   
6. Build Confidence and Optimism
   Confidence grows when individuals focus on their strengths and learn from setbacks. Break goals into manageable steps to maintain momentum. Address unfinished tasks to reduce stress and build a sense of accomplishment. Positive affirmations can also shift mindsets toward optimism. Even small changes—like standing tall or dressing professionally—can influence emotions and behavior.

The Ripple Effect of Positivity

Investing in workplace positivity delivers benefits across the board:

• Individuals gain creativity, motivation, resilience, and greater wellbeing.
• Teams thrive as members inspire one another.
• Organisations see reduced absenteeism, higher productivity, improved retention rates, and stronger financial performance.
• Customers enjoy better service.
• Shareholders benefit from increased profitability.

The question is: What steps will you take today to engage more positive emotions in your workplace? Start small but act decisively—the results will speak for themselves!

Ready to unlock your full potential? Let’s start the journey together.

Try our dashboards to find out where you are on your wellbeing journey right now! Each takes about 5 minutes, is completely free and delivers instant personalised results.

Wellbeing Mastery for Leaders Dashboard – Assess your personal wellbeing across the eight domains.

Wellbeing Designed Organisations Dashboard – Measure how well your organisation contributes to wellbeing

Our Services

Wellbeing Designed Organisations – A mastermind group and workshop for visionary leaders who want to put wellbeing at the centre of organisational design.

Wellbeing Mastery for Leaders – a 1:1 coaching programme that delivers personal development and organisational impact. The unique, holistic approach, based on the interconnected wellbeing domains, sets this programme apart from standard leadership development. Through the coaching you develop your own unique way forward.

Thriving – a 1:1 coaching programme for professionals seeking greater fulfilment in life, recovery from burnout or stress, better balance, personal growth and improvement.

Speaking – tailored presentations, talks, keynotes and workshops designed to educate, inform and inspire.