Sick talk at work-What can I do to curb this bad habit at my new workplace?

[Tracy]

The job ad listed Positive attitude as the top requirement and the main reason I was hired over the 750 applicants was my attitude.  This is a small firm with people holding the same position for 10+ years. They discuss sickness and dispare over newspaper headlines at every opportunity, and from my investigation have had this habit for many years. Even at an engagement celebration Swine Flu was discussed.

I desire to change the topic because I have noticed that when one person feels and describes in details these sick feelings they are absent from work and the next day another person will be absent from wrork with the same symptoms.
 
Any ideas on how I can be a better change agent in directing the conversation toward health, and the present moment when all is perfect would be much appreciated.  Each lunch hour we sit at a table and I do my best to change the topic and point out what is good about every situation. I believe that I bring every fun challenge in my life and I am looking forward to any help you can give with this exciting situation.

Warm regards,

Tracy

[Tomwalked]

Tracy

I think you are doing great.
wait for it to run it's course (as quickly as possible), then discuss movies, what was on the telly last night...
you can't control others.

maybe as a trigger for yourself, when the conversation is about sickness say to others... "Wash your hands" and make it your only comment. when others notice that all you say is "wash your hands", explain to them that endlessly talking about something just makes for more worry, and more worry lowers your immunity, so you choose to take a more proactive step and wash your hands... physically and mentally of the illness...

make it light... and playful... not judgy... if people laugh they are more receptive...

[elephanteater]

Hi Tracy,
Could you simply be you, up beat and with a healthy positive attitude without having to do anything at all to change them. 
Its suprising what a positive up beat person can do.
That is why you were selected because your employers saw you for what you are-  a shining light. Your light cannot do anything other than, shine ,(on your work colleagues too) without any extra effort you are having an effect. 
May I suggest you keep on being you, and make sure your light is well maintained and kept alive by taking really good care of yourself physically and mentally, making sure you get plenty of fun and rest, as well as work because this is your responsibility and where you can have the most effect.  Its what you are in charge of, responsible for, not your colleagues. 
I have found that when I have set out to change people for the better ( in my or my bosses opinion ) I have set myself up for a struggle, a challenge.  This has usually resulted in me ending up very stressed and disappointed.  when I accept I cannot change others and remember to take good care of me, I more often than not found that something positive occurs when I am least expecting it.
love from Liz

[aniinl]

Hi Tracy,

have you heard of the purple "no complaints" bracelets? I think I heard about them from Michael, maybe from an earlier post somewhere here on the forum.

I really like Tom's tip and I agree with Liz - you can't change people. So you have to make them want to change themselves The bracelets might be a fun way. Especially for work teams. Check them out here: www.acomplaintfreeworld.org

Good luck,
Anja

[Tracy]

Hi,

Thank you for the great ideas.  I will experiment with the ideas you have presented and report back. I have heard of the bracelets and I am contemplating how I would offer this idea to the group. The "wash hands" trigger is wonderful. I have been anchoring when someone else changes the topic with a hand clap and positive reinforcing comment of whatever that person said.


Kind regards,

Tracy

[Terri Carey]

As for their help! Tell them you are making a goal to stop complaining and ask if they will "catch" you when you are and bring it to your attn.  It will make them realize how much it is happening and if you join them for one comment then you are forced to correct yourself and change the subject and you are not judging anyone else just improving yourself
Terri