Negative feedback can actually benefit employees, says a study

Every individual has his or her own way to deal with negative feedback at work. While criticism can lower the morale of many employees, others might take it constructively and use it to improve their productivity. Interestingly, a recent study published in the journal Academy of Management suggests negative feedback can inspire or inhibit an employee's creativity depending upon who has given it.

The researchers conducted a series of lab and field experiments and concluded that a professional turns less creative in the subsequent task when he or she receives negative feedback from his or her manager or colleague.

Interestingly, negative feedback can have a positive impact on an employee if it comes from a junior team member. In simpler words, criticism can turn out to be beneficial for managers when it comes from the employees who report to them.

The researchers explain that a manager can influence an employee's promotion, salary raise and performance evaluation and thus, negative feedback can trigger stress and anxiety. Also, professionals generally compete with their co-workers for the same promotions and might see the feedback as a threat to their growth and work life.

Why negative feedback from a junior can be inspiring? The co-author of this study Yeun Joon Kim, explains, “In reality, most supervisors are willing to receive negative feedback and learn from it. It's not that they enjoy criticism–rather, they are in a natural power position and can cope with the discomfort of negative feedback better."

The biggest takeaway of the study is–one needs to be a little careful while offering negative feedback to the employees or colleagues. Giving feedback is important to improve an employee’s performance but it should be carefully evaluated before sharing so that it does not have a negative impact.

"The tough part of being a manager is pointing out a follower's poor performance or weak points. But it's a necessary part of the job," shares Kim. "If you're a supervisor, just be aware that your negative feedback can hurt your followers' creativity. Followers tend to receive negative feedback personally. Therefore, keep your feedback specific to tasks. Explain how the point you're discussing relates to only their task behaviour, not to aspects of the person," she adds.

The next time you plan to give negative feedback to your co-worker, do keep in mind how it can make or break their day and in turn, impact their work performance. Rather than criticising recklessly, try to keep it discreet and be sensitive to employee’s need. Most importantly, encourage your colleague to speak up about the issues they might be facing at work (which is also a feedback!) and in turn, promote a healthy work environment.

(All images used here are representational)