Emotional Contagion Simulator

Emotions spread through teams like a virus. Research by Sigal Barsade (2002) demonstrated that one person's mood — positive or negative — unconsciously transfers to colleagues through facial mimicry, vocal tone, and body language. When that person is a leader or a persistently negative team member, the ripple effect can erode satisfaction, spike stress, and drive talented people to quit.

This interactive simulator models a 30-day project cycle using agent-based simulation. Configure your team size (4–16 members), adjust individual toxicity levels and workplace stress, then watch in real time as negative behaviours spread — or get contained — across your team network.

The simulation runs two scenarios side-by-side: an unmanaged team where toxicity spreads unchecked, and a managed team where leadership intervenes every five days. You'll see the measurable impact on team satisfaction, missed deadlines, stress levels, and individual turnover probability — providing a data-driven case for proactive people management.