How to handle negative feedback at work? At some point, you’ve likely been confronted about your work or behaviour—it happens to everyone. When you’re a newbie in the organisation, receiving negative feedback can feel discouraging, even overwhelming, and also affects mental health.

But here’s the key: how you handle it matters more than the feedback itself. Instead of taking it personally, treat it as a learning opportunity. Otherwise, it won’t be long enough until you let yourself consume it and give up everything you’ve worked hard for.

Fortunately, Singapore supports Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), which provide employees with resources to manage stress, receive confidential guidance, and effectively navigate workplace challenges.

Feedback is an integral part of workplace culture, particularly during performance appraisals. As a new hire, embracing constructive criticism will help you refine your skills and set the foundation for a successful career. Here are five smart ways to handle negative feedback professionally.

1. View It as a Growth Opportunity

Negative feedback is not a personal attack—it is a tool for improvement. As a new employee, it’s natural to feel intimidated when learning the ropes. However, feedback is a valuable indicator of areas where you can improve and excel.

What to do?

• Develop a growth mindset and see feedback as a stepping stone to career success.
• Reflect on the advice given and use them to refine your skills and workflow.
• Ask for specific suggestions on how to enhance your performance.

2. Pay Attention and Listen Carefully

Dismissing or ignoring how to handle negative feedback can lead to repeated mistakes. Understanding where the feedback is coming from allows you to take corrective action and prevent similar issues in the future. Instead of becoming defensive, focus on active listening to fully grasp the message.

What to do?

• Identify the behaviour that needs improvement, its impact, and the desired change.
• Listen attentively to your manager or colleagues without interrupting.
• Take notes to ensure you fully understand the feedback and can work on addressing it.

3. Manage Your Emotions Before Responding

It’s easy to feel defensive or frustrated when receiving criticism, but how you respond is just as important as the feedback itself. Taking a moment to process the information calmly can prevent an emotional reaction that may harm your professional reputation and the people around you.

What to do?

• Pause and take deep breaths before responding.
• Avoid reacting impulsively or taking the feedback personally.
• Acknowledge the feedback professionally and express your willingness to improve.

4. Set Aside Your Self-Worth

Negative feedback is about a specific behaviour, not your entire identity. Taking criticism personally or trying too hard to justify yourself can amplify tensions and strain workplace relationships. Instead, view feedback as an opportunity to grow, not a judgment of your value.

What to do?

• Focus on the intent behind the feedback, even if it’s not delivered perfectly.
• Practice handling conflict in the workplace to prevent misunderstandings from escalating.
• Be constructive when receiving feedback to recognise its learning value.

5. Implement Changes and Follow Up

Applying the feedback given to you is the most important step. If you believe you can do better, take action and prove that you can make meaningful changes. Ultimately, demonstrating a commitment to improvement will not only build your skills but also earn you the trust and respect of your colleagues and managers.

What to do?

• Set personal goals based on the feedback and track your progress.
• Request follow-up meetings to show your commitment to self-improvement.
• Seek mentorship or additional training if needed to enhance your skills.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to handle negative feedback is a skill that can greatly enhance your professional development. While feedback can sometimes feel like a career-defining moment, it is also an opportunity to showcase your resilience and learning ability.

By embracing feedback with a growth mindset and commitment to becoming a better version of yourself, you can build a strong foundation for career success. Remember, every great professional once faced challenges—what sets you apart is how you overcome them.Build a professional career with Bossjob today and take advantage of its smart job-matching features. Not only will it connect you with your dream job, but it will also provide valuable career advice to help you shape your goals and secure a better future.