Positive steps to end negativity in the workplace : The hidden costs of an individual and organizational phenomenon

Purpose – This paper aims to consider workplace negativity from an individual and organizational perspective. Design/methodology/approach – It underlines the upfront and hidden costs of workplace negativity and suggests some ways to deal with it. Findings – It highlights the importance of ensuring that every report of workplace negativity is properly investigated and that a fair and proper outcome is achieved. Practical implications – The paper urges the need for a small team of HR experts to resolve conflicts between employees. Members of this conflict‐resolution team need to be senior managers or employees, and capable of understanding human behavior in various situations. Social implications – It draws attention to a problem that is costly for individual employees, organizations and society as a whole. Originality/value – The paper deals with a topic that is little discussed in mainstream human‐resource management.