Beyond positivity: A review of the functional outcomes of negative emotions at work

Published in: Journal of Occupational Health Psychology — In Press

Written by

Dave Lebel, Jordan Sanders and Jochen I. Menges

Summary

What we found: We found that negative emotions—often assumed to be harmful—can, under certain conditions, lead to beneficial outcomes at work. Specifically, we identified two pathways: one where discrete negative emotions directly drive adaptive action, and another where self-regulation and organizational support determine whether these emotions become functional.

Why it matters: Our findings challenge the traditional view that negative emotions only undermine performance and wellbeing. By showing how they can foster constructive behavior during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, we highlight the importance of understanding emotions as context-dependent and potentially adaptive.

What next: Organizations and leaders should recognize and harness negative emotions rather than suppress them, especially during disruptive events. By providing self-regulatory resources, supportive leadership, and HR policies that help employees channel emotions productively, they can turn emotional strain into resilience and growth.