The Effect of Positivity at Work
Just last week, I arrived at work later than planned. Traffic had been a nightmare — one accident after another — and by the time I walked through the door, I could feel the stress sitting right on my shoulders. I was already mentally reshuffling my morning when a colleague came up to me. Someone I wouldn't necessarily have expected it from. He looked at me and said, quite simply, that he is really happy with the work I do and the value I bring to the teams.
That was it. Nothing grand. No bonus, no applause. Just one genuine sentence.
And yet, it changed my entire day.
Positivity isn't toxic — but it can be misunderstood
There's been a lot of talk lately about "toxic positivity" — the idea that forcing people to look on the bright side can invalidate real struggles. And yes, I agree: pretending everything is fine when it isn't does more harm than good.
But that's not the kind of positivity I'm talking about.
The positivity I believe in is rooted in honesty and care. It's the kind that says: "This is hard, AND I believe we can get through it." It's not about putting on a smile. It's about choosing — even in difficult moments — to be a steady, encouraging presence for the people around you.
That choice matters more than most of us realise.
What it actually looks like, day to day
Positivity at work rarely looks like big, dramatic gestures. In my experience, it lives in the small moments:
The team leader who starts a meeting by asking how everyone is doing — and actually waits for the answer.
The colleague who notices when someone is overwhelmed and quietly asks: "Can I take something off your plate today?"
The manager who, in a performance review, leads with what's going well before diving into what needs to improve.
These moments are free. They cost nothing but a little attention and intention. And they compound over time into something powerful: a culture where people feel seen.
The science backs it up (but you probably already knew that)
Research consistently shows that employees who feel appreciated and psychologically safe are more creative, more productive, and more loyal. But honestly? I didn't need a study to tell me that. I've lived it — both on the receiving end and, hopefully, on the giving end too.
When we feel good about where we are, we do better work. It really is that simple.
One small thing you can do today
If you've read this far, I'd like to leave you with a challenge — a gentle one.
Before the end of today, tell one person at work something specific that you appreciate about them. Not a vague "great job," but something real. Something you noticed. Something that made a difference to you.
Watch what happens.
I think you'll find that the ripple goes further than you expect. And more often than not, it comes back to you too — quietly, unexpectedly — on one of those mornings when you really need it.
Positivity at work isn't a strategy. It's a habit. And like all habits, it starts with one small, intentional moment at a time.
Thank you for being part of this community. Your presence here — reading, reflecting, and sharing — is its own kind of kindness.
Much love, Barbara
PS for more info about my work: https://www.barbaravercruysse.com/
