How to Navigate Toxic Positivity in the Workplace

Have you ever had a colleague who always insists on looking on the bright side, even when things are clearly not going well? You know the type — the one who says, "Just stay positive!" when you're swamped with deadlines or dealing with a difficult project. While positivity has its place, there's a point where it becomes unhelpful, even toxic. In this post, we'll explore what toxic positivity is, why it's harmful, especially in professional settings, and how you can navigate it effectively:

What is Toxic Positivity?

The classic example of toxic positivity is the t-shirt that says “Good vibes only.” Although it’s a cute shirt, if you live your life by this tagline, you’re probably engaging in toxic positivity. Life is full of emotional ups and downs, and pretending that it's not isn't helping you out. There are no “good” emotions or “bad” emotions. They are all messengers for us to glean valuable wisdom and insights from.

Why is Toxic Positivity Harmful?

Toxic positivity is harmful to you because you’re not giving yourself the opportunity to identify and express your true emotions. It’s harmful to others, because you may shut down a colleague with a truism like “think about what you’re grateful for” instead of being there for them in the thick of the issue they're facing.

Recognizing Toxic Positivity in Professional Settings

Toxic positivity in the workplace can show up as everyone acting as though they’re “team players,” when underneath the surface there can be issues such as competitiveness, undercutting, sexism or systemic racial issues. These deep-seated issues can only be addressed with honest conversation.

Is Your Workplace "Too Nice"?

Having a workplace that’s “too nice” can make it difficult for you to learn and grow. If your superiors call everyone “rock stars” and always give out the gold stars, one can never know if they’re truly meeting expectations and succeeding. Toxic positivity in the workplace can actually stunt professional growth. You need to hear honest feedback about the quality of your work so that you can make improvements and hone your skills.

How to Handle Toxic Positivity at Work

If you notice toxic positivity in the workplace, you can have a frank conversation with your supervisor. Let them know that you are serious about improving and that you want honest feedback, whether that’s in a formal capacity (like a performance review) or in a more casual capacity (like getting an email about how your project is looking).

Setting Boundaries with Toxic Positivity

Boundaries are essential when dealing with toxic positivity in the workplace. If a colleague responds to you in a way that feels dismissive or overly positive, you can communicate your needs clearly. For example, you might say, “I appreciate your positive outlook, but right now I need to discuss the challenges I'm facing and get some constructive feedback. Can we focus on that for a moment?” This approach helps ensure that your concerns are acknowledged and addressed in a meaningful way.

Protecting Your Mental Health from Toxic Positivity

Remember that emotions are not your enemy -- they signal your needs. If you're feeling confused, you may need guidance. If you’re feeling lonely, you might need a sense of connection. If you’re feeling sad, you may be grieving a loss. If you’re feeling tired, you might need some extra rest. When you embrace your emotions and respond to them with compassion, you’ll develop a truly positive relationship with them.

Final Thoughts

Navigating toxic positivity requires a balance of recognizing genuine positivity and addressing real emotions. By setting boundaries, seeking honest feedback, and acknowledging your true feelings, you can foster a healthier, more authentic emotional environment both personally and professionally. Embrace the full spectrum of your emotions to build resilience, improve mental health, and create more meaningful connections in your life.

Crisis Support

If you need help right away, please utilize the following crisis resources.

Disclaimer

This post is meant for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for diagnosis, assessment or treatment of mental conditions. If you need professional help, seek it out.

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About the author

Hi! I'm Natalie. And my passion is helping ambitious, creative millennials achieve everything they want in life, career and relationships. I provide in-person therapy in Pasadena and online therapy throughout California. Click here to get started.