141. Emotional Contagion at Work with Prina Shah

Emotional Contagion at Work

In this solo episode of Ways to Change the Workplace, your host, Prina Shah, dives into the fascinating and impactful topic of emotional contagion in the workplace. Emotions are contagious, and the emotional climate of a team can directly influence workplace culture, productivity, and morale.

Key takeaways from this episode:

• What is emotional contagion?: It's the phenomenon where one person's emotions spread to others, whether positive or negative.
• Examples of emotional contagion: A positive, enthusiastic leader can uplift the team, while a stressed or frustrated manager can create a toxic atmosphere.
• Analogies to understand emotional contagion: Think of it as a ripple effect, emotional weather, or even a virus that spreads through the workplace.
• How emotional contagion shapes organisational culture: Positive emotional contagion can foster creativity, trust, and collaboration, while negative emotional contagion leads to absenteeism, high turnover, and stress.
• Practical tips to combat negative emotional contagion:
  • Identify the source of negative emotions
  • Encourage open communication and psychological safety
  • Model positive behaviours and provide resources like stress management workshops
  • Implement regular check-ins, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence training
  • Recognise and appreciate employees to maintain a positive environment

By understanding and managing emotional contagion, you can build a healthier workplace where everyone thrives.

Resources mentioned:

• Prina's 1:1 meeting planner – Email to request a free copy!
• Emotional contagion training sessions – Contact Prina for team optimisation or leadership workshops via the details below.