17 Apr Using Positive Psychology to cope with a layoff or redundancy
By Lily Garcia
Special to washingtonpost.com
Thursday, April 16, 2009; 6:43 PM
Do you have tips for employees about how to prevent catching the negativity virus during layoffs?
Catch the happiness virus. Just as you can catch the “negativity virus,” you can also be infected by happiness. You may find that the morale of your workplace is suffering because of a layoff, and you may have little choice but to associate with gloomy coworkers. But you do have a choice about who you spend time with in your personal life. According to a study published in the British Medical Journal in December, knowing someone who is happy increases your chances of being happy by 15.3 percent.
When you are unhappy at work, it can help talk about it and establish solidarity with other people who are going through the same thing. But beware of dwelling on your problems. As much as you can, surround yourself with people who are optimistic and positive.
To read more of Lily’s happiness and positive psychology coaching tips – click here