How grumpiness impacts safety and what to do about it
It’s not just your imagination: workplace grumpiness is on the rise, and the impact on health and safety might be bigger than you think.
“Grumpiness is a symptom of something,” says Richard Birke, Senior Vice President at JAMS ADR. “It could stem from stress, burnout, unmet expectations, or even just someone’s bad morning at home. But whatever the cause, it’s an impediment to productivity and a potential viral problem in the workplace.”
A viral problem? That’s right. Grumpiness isn’t just a personal mood—it’s a contagion. If one worker starts the day snapping and sulking, it can ripple through the team faster than a Monday morning coffee shortage. But here’s the kicker: the consequences of grumpiness go far beyond morale.
Grumpiness and safety: A risky business
Disengagement caused by grumpiness can lead to some serious safety concerns. Birke explains: “If it causes people to take their eye off the ball, that’s a real problem. Most physical accidents are caused by inattention.”
Picture this: a forklift operator distracted by unresolved workplace tension or an assembly line worker zoning out after an argument with a colleague. Even minor lapses can cascade into major accidents.
So, can you measure grumpiness? Sadly, there’s no official Grump-o-Meter (yet). However, Birke suggests keeping an eye out for tell-tale signs: “You’ll notice it in the way people disengage—calling in sick more often, skipping meetings, or just generally checked out. Trust your gut; if the workplace feels grumpier than usual, it probably is.”
From grumpy to growth-oriented
The good news? Grumpiness isn’t a death sentence for workplace harmony or safety. Birke offers seven solutions for turning the tide:
- Boost connections in remote work
Virtual teams don’t have watercoolers, but they can still bond. Birke suggests creating informal online events like Zoom breakout sessions with trained facilitators. Just make sure these don’t add stress by extending work hours. - Set boundaries around stressors
Political debates in the breakroom? Not on Birke’s watch. “Managers can create clear boundaries around potentially divisive topics like politics,” he advises. - Teach civility
“Workshops on civility are in demand right now,” Birke notes. Respect is no longer a given in workplaces—sometimes it needs to be taught. - Tackle economic stress
With inflation and mortgage rates soaring, financial worries abound. While managers can’t fix the economy, Birke says they can remind teams that, “every economic cycle is just that—a cycle. This too shall pass.” - Demystify technology changes
AI and automation fears got your team grumpy? Knowledge is the antidote. “The best way to reduce fear is to increase knowledge,” Birke points out. - Model optimism
Leaders set the tone. If you’re a manager, Birke urges, “Model the optimism you want to see. Replace judgment with curiosity, and listen more than you talk.” - Call in the pros
Sometimes, workplace conflict isn’t a DIY project. Birke suggests, “Just like you’d call a plumber for burst pipes, don’t hesitate to bring in a dispute resolution professional to smooth over conflicts.”
Grumpiness: The silver lining?
Before you write off workplace grumpiness as nothing more than a headache, consider this: it could be a hidden opportunity. “Grumpiness is like a presenting symptom in medicine,” Birke explains. “Catch it early, and you can diagnose and address deeper organizational issues before they fester.”
In fact, grumpiness could even fuel growth when managed wisely. “Task conflicts—where people have different perspectives on a problem—can be productive if there’s psychological safety,” says Birke. “It’s all about turning frustration into innovation.”
Grumpiness is inevitable, but workplace disasters aren’t. By recognizing and addressing the symptoms early, health and safety leaders can create a more engaged, harmonious, and—yes—grump-free environment.
Or as Birke sums it up: “You ignore grumpiness at your peril. Address it, and it’s a chance to grow.”
