The problem with work isn't the workers. And if they're left to fester, these pessimistic workers may find ways to get revenge.
Cynicism kills motivation.
Employees were given personality tests to determine how optimistic or pessimistic they were by nature. They also were asked for their feelings about their boss's leadership style and interpersonal skills. Twenty-one months later, the same workers were asked questions designed to see how cynical they were about their jobs. Wanous found a mild link between natural pessimists and cynicism. People who view the world through jaundiced eyes think their workplace is dreary, too.