5 Fun Ways to Banish Negativity In The Workplace!



Did you know that 56% of employees blame workplace negativity for the dark circles under their eyes? It's like a bad stand-up routine – nobody's laughing, and everyone's feeling drained. But hold your applause, because we're about to unveil some strategies to turn that workplace frown upside down. In this article, we’ll share how to tackle workplace negativity with a hearty dose of humor, transforming your office into a smile-worthy environment that even the grumpiest colleague is proud to be part of.



1. Be Clear In Your Expectations


Imagine workplace expectations as a punchline – if it's not clear, it falls flat. To rescue your team from confusion-induced groans, set expectations like a well-timed joke. Regular check-ins, goal chats, and team pow-wows will have everyone singing the same comedic tune.



2. Encourage Open Communication 


Think of open communication as the ultimate stand-up gig, with employees riffing on ideas and sharing anecdotes. Create a stage where voices can perform without fear of tomatoes. Arm your crew with communication skills to land punchlines and diffuse tension like seasoned comedians.



3. Celebrate Achievements With A Little Pizzaz


Ever seen negativity share the spotlight with confetti? Probably not – and that's the point. Elevate your team's achievements to comedy show levels, complete with dramatic drumrolls and virtual high-fives. Celebrate their victories with team karaoke sessions, or with hilarious emails. Instead of an employee wall of fame, create an employee walk of fame- think Hollywood Boulevard!



4. Cultivate A Culture Of Positivity


Picture this: you’ve got a workplace with coworkers high-fiving and cracking jokes like pros. Introduce improv games to solve company challenges, host office-focused trivia, or create motivational posters as a team. Those who laugh together, succeed together, so get your team giggling and having some fun. 



5. Reject Negativity


When negativity crashes the party, it's time to unleash your inner bouncer. Discuss the non-negotiable behaviors you have established and set disciplines around them. When people know what’s allowed and what’s not, they are less likely to cross the line over to the dark side.



Workplace dynamics are challenging, but with a dash of humor, you can rewrite the script and turn your office into a place people will love. 


Creating a positive company culture takes effort, but it's well worth it. At Corporate Culture Training Solutions, your company culture is our top priority. We help your leaders build an attractive, purpose-driven culture that people don’t want to leave. Contact us to learn about our leadership development and team-building programs, as well as our signature Leadership & Culture Shift program!


About Betsy: Featured on FOX, CBS, NBC, and ABC, Betsy Allen-Manning is a high-energy leadership keynote speaker, high-performance expert, and workplace culture strategist who helps organizations develop world-class leaders, build high-performing teams, and create workplaces where people stay, grow, and thrive. She’s the creator of the DNA of Excellence™ keynote series: data-backed and highly interactive presentations that strengthen leadership behavior, elevate performance, and transform workplace culture. Betsy is also the founder of Destination Workplace™, an award-winning leadership training company in Dallas, known for advancing leadership excellence and transforming workplace culture for some of the world’s most elite brands.

By Betsy Allen-Manning February 16, 2026
Discover the identity shift new managers must make. Learn the difference between position-driven managers and identity-driven leaders.
By Betsy Allen-Manning February 10, 2026
In the age of AI, leadership trust matters more than ever. Discover how human-centered leadership excellence drives trust, performance, and retention.
By Betsy Allen-Manning February 3, 2026
Learn how to embed leadership excellence into your organization’s DNA to drive accountability, performance, culture, and retention at every level.
By Betsy Allen-Manning January 25, 2026
Discover why leadership capability is now the biggest driver of retention, culture, and performance in the 2026 workplace.
By Betsy Allen-Manning January 20, 2026
Job candidates ghosting you? Learn how to stop fishing for talent and start attracting candidates by improving your employee experience and becoming a Destination Workplace™
By Betsy Allen-Manning January 13, 2026
Promoting high performers without leadership readiness is costing organizations trust, retention, and performance. Learn the leadership shift that changes outcomes.
By Betsy Allen-Manning January 6, 2026
Leadership burnout isn’t about working too hard. It’s about absorbing what isn’t yours. Learn how discernment and boundaries reset leadership effectiveness.
By Betsy Allen-Manning December 30, 2025
Close the Purpose Deficit: connect daily work to mission, boost engagement, reduce burnout, and build a culture where people matter.
By Betsy Allen-Manning December 16, 2025
Discover 5 signs you’re a toxic leader—gossip, nepotism, fear, ego, avoidance—and practical fixes to rebuild trust, retention, and culture fast.
Pulpit or boardroom, this is the most powerful leadership DNA combination:
Trust. Integrity. Purpose
By Betsy Allen-Manning December 2, 2025
Pulpit or Boardroom, This Is the Leadership DNA That Separates the Trusted From the Tolerated
Show More