Towards a Positive Workplace
by Joe Tassinari 

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you.”   ― Walt Whitman

Many workplaces operate with the notion that maximum success involves routine and diligence towards company goals. If coworkers spend too much time socializing it can seem like a time-waster, yet we are social beings yearning to feel connected and understood. Groups that have become good teams have found a way to give everyone a voice and feel included.

Using your regular meeting (staff meeting, board meeting, etc.) as a platform to deliver understanding and equal voice is a good idea. This will move your organization towards a positive workplace and positive workplaces deliver greater results.

With recent revelations in Positive Psychology and Happiness Studies there is ample evidence that positive workplaces are more productive …

Fact: Positivity produces future health and well-being. Because the effects of positivity accumulate and compound over time it leads to healthier, more socially integrated, knowledgeable, effective and resilient colleagues:

• 170% more motivated
• 155% happier at work

• 150% happier with life in general
• 100% more engaged at work
• Love their jobs 80% more

• 40% more confidence

• 35% more productive


Evolving a positive workplace requires intentionality and practice. Positivity can be added as an organizational goal and a way to practice it can be blended into your work routine.  

A good way to create a positive atmosphere is to enroll the team in a workshop. Choose a workshop that establishes safety, allows coworkers to find their voice in front of the group, includes positive interactive activities and is fun. With the right workshop this will turn out to be a minor investment paying huge dividends.  

Once a positive tone is established from the workshop, a terrific workplace juncture to practice positivity is the staff meeting because:

• The team is in the same place at the same time
• Parallel Process – practice positivity while accomplishing business goals
• The meeting is time away from duty and task
• Turns the staff meeting into an enjoyable and interactive gathering

Objective: Develop an ongoing practice of positivity while you meet.
Action: Create a meeting agenda that induces a positive affect. 
Outcome: Successful meetings that produce a positive environment and prosperity.

Example Agenda:
(every participant receives a turn with each agenda item)

• Sign In
  (inclusion)
• Read Agenda – take turns reading each item
  (inclusion, awareness)
• Review findings and evaluation from previous meeting
  (inclusion, awareness, community)
• Check In – non work related
  (inclusion, understanding, relationship building, community)
• Energizer – a short activity that promotes unity and enjoyment
  (inclusion, community, skill and relationship building)
• Team Member Reports – 1) What they’re up to 2) How it’s going 3) What’s next
  (inclusion, skill building, accountability, awareness, community)
• Gratitude – each person shares something they’re grateful for
  (inclusion, community, awareness towards a positive intent)
• Evaluation – how did the meeting go?
  (inclusion, skill and relationship building, community)
• Closing – review discoveries from meeting, announcements
  (inclusion, awareness, community)

Because colleagues are continually involved (included) during the meeting they become excellent turn-takers and effective team members.  This leads to positive interactions, positive relationships and a sustained positivity. Enrolling a coach for the first few meetings helps build a spectacular practice of communication and understanding towards a positive workplace.

Joe Tassinari’s professional focus is helping organizations create highly engaging and productive workplaces where people have the opportunity be their best. He developed  the "Positive Workplace Series"– skill building staff workshops that advance unity and joyful workplaces.

Tags: Business Works, UNC, Penn, UCBerkeley