Workplace Wellbeing: How to deal with negative people at work 

Most offices have someone who constantly complains. The risk is emotional contagion, where we absorb and imitate the negativity. Here’s how to avoid falling into it

Debbie Downer's and Negative Nigels can drag down the vibes at the workplace Picture: iStock 

Have you ever encountered a ‘Debbie Downer’ or a ‘Negative Nigel’ at work? These people seem to enjoy complaining, and Dr Paolo Yaranon has met more than a few.

For example, when the assistant professor of organisational psychology and behaviour at Dublin City University worked in healthcare, he had a colleague who never stopped moaning.