How to Recover When a Positive Co-Worker Leaves The Office

An important part of being happy in the workplace is developing good relationships with your co-workers. Nothing is more satisfying than enjoying the company of the people you work with, especially if some of those people can create a fun and exciting work environment, one that is inspiring to your work and also to your attitude.

However, we all know that the job market is fairly dynamic recently, which means that people come and go in jobs. How will you cope, then, when one of those fun and exciting people leaves your place of work, thus deflating the overall atmosphere at the office?

Well, the biggest thing you should try to do is maintain a positive attitude about the situation; however, this is probably easier said than done, so here are a few ways to help you keep up your spirits after a fun co-worker has left your team.

Adjust Your Work Routine

One of the first things you can do after the positive co-worker has left is you can adjust your work routine to take on a different feel. For example, if that positive co-worker was a big part of your previous workflow, then maybe you should try to establish a new workflow that has you doing things differently. That way you won't necessarily get reminded of the way your co-worker did things around the office. By creating a new routine, you replace the space your co-worker left with a positive routine of your own making.

Start A New Project

In keeping with the idea of the previous tip, you should also try to launch into a new project, one that you especially have control over, as this will give you something new to focus on that doesn't involve your former co-worker. The new project will also consume your day-to-day worries, leaving you little time to think about ways that your former co-worker made the office fun and friendly.

Make Friends With Others

If you haven't done this yet, then maybe you should reach out to your other co-workers, especially if you don't know them well. By meeting new people, or becoming more familiar with your other co-workers, you just might discover that there are others in your workplace who can be just as positive and fun as your former co-worker. Incorporating your other co-workers into your daily office life more can also spark good interactions between you and others, which might lead to new sources of positivity.

Avoid Negativity

After the positive co-worker leaves, you should take some time to avoid all negativity in your office. Do tasks that you know you can accomplish well. Avoid all worries and don't try to pick fights or arguments with your other co-workers. If you get into heated discussions about projects, be the responsible leader on your team and try to change the tone of the discussion. Avoid controversy and anything else that is unpleasant in your job. This will help you recover from the absence of your former co-worker.

Keep In Touch

Finally, you could try to keep in touch with your positive co-worker, especially if you had a friendship, as he or she could be a valuable contact in your work portfolio. He or she could also provide you with some more ideas about how to make the workplace positive; however, it might not be appropriate to limit your communication to simply work-related things. Instead, keep in touch and try to build your relationship with that co-worker.

This post was written by Tara Miller, who regularly writes for psychology degree.  She especially loves hearing back from her readers. Questions or comments can be sent to: miller.tara23@gmail.com.