Our workplace is like a second home to us. After home, it is the second place where we spend most of our time. A place where we stay for 8-9 hours of the day has to be positive and flourishing. But, is your workplace really positive?
Well, workplace problems and concerns have increased tremendously in the past few years. There is not a single office that does not have its own set of problems. The main reason behind so many problems in any office is diversity.
In any organization, be it big or small, people who work are completely different from one another. Different people with different backgrounds come to work at a commonplace. When so many unique ideas collide, problems are bound to happen.
For instance, in my own company, most of my employees come from very different backgrounds and states. Now, when it comes to generating ideas, there are often debates and time-consuming sessions about whose idea is the best. Most of the time, one person’s idea might not impress the other person leading to problems.
One of my employee’s life changed when I decided to counsel him. He was a young, dynamic, and highly qualified employee. He was very skilled in his profession and would never make even a single mistake. However, he was quite an introvert. He would stay silent for most of the day. He would come to the office, sit in his cubicle, complete all assigned work, and would never complain about anything or anyone.
But, he would hardly talk to anyone. Even during a break when everyone would chit-chat with their friends, he would sit alone or with the only one friend he had.
Being a life coach, I decided to understand what makes him such a quiet person. So, I called his friend and asked about him. He told me how he only talks about work and not much about his personal life. However, I realized his only problem was a lack of confidence.
He used to think no one liked him or understood him. He felt his abilities were not recognized or respected by his fellow employees. All these thoughts and tears disrupted his mental peace, and he got depressed.
I noticed that his level and quality of work started declining. I decided to help him out to overcome stress and give his best at work. I only made a slight change in his routine by asking him to add a little smile on his face every day. Soon, I started seeing him carry a smile and talking to others. Now, even his co-workers would come around his cubicle to talk and chill.
I also further helped him boost his confidence and self-belief. I could see a tremendous difference in his work performance. Not only did he get promoted for great work, but also overcame his depression with a smile on his face.
No matter how hard you try, you cannot completely vanish workplace issues from your organization. What you can do instead is learn how to deal with problems at work. Once you know how to handle problems at work, they won’t be big enough to disrupt your work.
Conflict Management and Resolution
As I said, there is hardly any organization that does not face workplace issues. Every organization faces some or another problem. If you’re facing any problem at work just know that you’re not the only one. Most people encounter common workplace issues at some point in life.
So, let us discuss some of the most common workplace problems and the art of conflict management at workplace:
- Disturbing Bosses
One of the most significant problems of all time is having a bad boss. There’s an old saying, “ People don’t quit jobs, they quit their managers.” It is enough to illustrate the impact a manager has on its employees. Most of the time, the manager’s way of working does not incline with the working of its employees. In fact, it has been seen that bad managers are one of the top reasons why people leave their jobs.
Many bosses have the habit to constantly interfere with your style of work. They may even taunt, judge, or disrespect you for not doing things properly. One can handle such instances a few times, but when it becomes a regular thing, employees start losing their patience. You may get along at work, but it becomes really difficult to be productive and engaged when you don’t get along with the boss.
How to deal with tough bosses?
The best way to cope with bad bosses is through efficient communication. The more you’ll burn on the inside, the more you’ll harm your mental peace. You need to be more proactive about anticipating problems and present solutions.
- Workplace Bullying
Many people think that workplace bullying is a thing of the past. However, to date, many clients have come to me to complain about workplace bullies. People think bullying happens at school with kids. But, it’s not the case. Bullies can affect your life even after school and college.
In fact, you might not even realize that you’re being bullied at the workplace. From giving weird names to verbal abuse, everything comes under workplace bullying. People often exploit their fellow workers by hiding their stuff, changing their work reports, faking complaints against them, or even excluding them from team projects.
Workplace bullying is way worse than bullying at school. Workplace bullying shakes you hard and makes a suffocating environment.
The bully often loses the confidence and strength to fight back. They are too scared to complain. It can also lead to serious mental health problems like depression, anxiety, or panic attacks.
How to avoid workplace bullying?
Most of the time, a person who’s an easy target is targeted. If you want to end bullying, you should start acknowledging it. You cannot just let go of everything that happens to you. Gather the strength and face the issue with confidence. You can discuss the issue with higher authorities, or you may even take legal help if necessary.
- Lack of Training
When we join an organization, we aim to learn and improve ourselves. We can gain formal knowledge through colleges, but practical skills and knowledge are gained through jobs and internships. However, if a workplace does not provide a learning platform to its employees, it hinders their progress.
One of the most common workplace problems is lack of training. Many organizations do not train their freshers and expect them to work as efficiently as old workers. Training not only helps one learn new things but also helps an employee do his job more efficiently. Many organizations do not even provide the tools that are needed to get the job done.
What to do in this situation?
If your organization does not provide the tools and training you need to get the job done, then you could directly ask your superiors. You need to explain how your work will improve and become more efficient with the right tools and training.
- No Raise in Pay
We all know the hike in prices and how living expenses are increasing each day. Most young people leave their hometown to work in other cities and need to manage their living expenses with the little salary they get.
However, when the organization is not ready to raise your salary even after years of service, it starts becoming a problem. The economy is booming, and the job market is getting tight. Most organizations give 1-3% raises that is not enough.
If your employees will not feel their work deserves the salary they get, their quality of work will decline. Any person would start feeling disrespected when not paid enough. Employers need to pay their employees time and give them the salary they deserve. Moreover, increments are a must for every employee.
How to get a pay raise?
If you want to get paid well for your work or get an increment, You can watch this video. I have shared some great insights and ways you can use to get the pay you deserve.
- Loads of Work
Many organizations have a very bad work culture. By bad, I mean where managers expect their employees to work overtime and extra days. One of the most common workplace problems is the extra workload. No one really likes working extra unless it is very necessary.
We understand how sometimes there is an extra load of work on employees, and they need to manage it. However, many times companies start exploiting their employees by putting extra loads of work on them with deadlines. It not only affects one’s work quality but also starts affecting the health of a person. No employee would like to work in an organization that sucks the life out of its employees.
What you can do to manage extra work with limited time?
Well, you shouldn’t hesitate to discuss the matter with your manager. If your manager puts a lot of work on your shoulders, then you can get them in a loop. You should ask for their help to prioritize work and get your required resources. I guess no manager would deny helping you. So, simply ask them to prioritize and guide you with work to complete it on time.
- Discrimination
There are workplaces that very commonly discriminate against people based on their background. I remember one of my family friend’s son went abroad after getting promoted at his workplace. He was really happy and excited to be a part of the international branch.
However, when he went there and joined the team, he was not welcomed at all. Native people of the organization would not team with him or involve him in any event. So much so, they would deliberately start speaking their native language when he was around, so he doesn’t understand and feels left out.
This behavior of his fellow workers started affecting his mental health. It is illegal to discriminate against workers based on characteristics like disability, pregnancy, sex, race, or religion. But, it doesn’t stop organizations from doing it.
No doubt today workplace discrimination has reduced than the past times. However, one should never take bias and discrimination under any conditions.
How to deal with workplace discrimination?
The first thing that you need to do is talk to your superiors. Many times the higher authorities are unaware of the discrimination taking place at lower levels. You must inform them. You can also check the employer’s handbook to see the policies of the company. It can help you take legal action and pursue a formal complaint. You shouldn’t hesitate from seeking help whenever required.
- Inefficient team management
The management team is like the backbone of any organization. If the management team works well, a healthy work environment is created. However, if the management team is inefficient, problems start coming at the workplace.
Work management is highly essential for any organization. For instance, would you like to work at a workplace where you have chatty coworkers all around you? No, but can you do something about it? Yes!
Most offices are designed to meet everyone’s requirements. When you’re working in a team you need to understand your team members. You might not like every member of your team, but you’ll have to work with them anyways. You see, an organization is not all about you. There are people from different backgrounds and thought processes.
Most people who come to me for workplace counseling complain how they don’t know how to work in a team. It is because they have restricted themselves from adjustment. However, if you feel you’re not treated right or your weak chords are pulled in the team, you should take action.
How to work better in a team?
Teamwork brings dreamwork! When employees who work in a team give their best, wonderful things can happen. For example, consider your body. All the body parts are completely different from one another. But they work together as a team, adjust and fulfill each other’s requirements, and make you who you are. In the same way, teamwork is needed in organizations, and it comes with adjustment and coaching.
- Lack of Motivation
Now, most people think lack of motivation is something they feel on the inside and not a workplace problem. But what if all employees of your organization feel no motivation to come and work?
Lack of motivation is something a person feels, but also something that largely depends on the environment. For instance, if you know some celebration is going to happen, you’ll be visiting the place with full motivation. It is because the aura of the place would be something you’ll like to experience.
Sometimes the work environment is toxic or very negative, making the employees feel like quitting the job. It can due to a boring schedule, boring coworkers, or so much work. In fact, it has been seen that most people feel a lack of motivation when it comes to going to an office. They do not feel like getting up and dressing for work. So, if you feel lethargic about going to the office, then you’re not the only one.
How to feel motivated at work?
To feel motivated at work, you need to bring major changes. These changes are not limited to you but to the entire organization. When I go to organizations for coaching and lectures, I suggest changes in the style of working to ensure employee happiness. If an organization works hard for the employee, just as the employee does for the organization, only then a cheerful work environment can be created.
- Office Politics
Office politics is something you can never get rid of. It has been a significant part of work culture for a long time. No matter how small or big your organization is, there will be some people running politics inside.
Office politics is like a termite. It slowly kills your organization. One common office politics way is giving endless power to higher authorities and taking promotion chances from the deserving candidates. Misuse of powers and constantly disrupting one person is a typical form of office-level politics. I know many people who had to quit their jobs because they could not grow in an organization that runs on politics. However, quitting is not an option as most organizations have this system.
How to avoid office politics?
One way to avoid politics is to stay away from it as much as possible. You won’t even get to know when you’ll become a part of it. You cannot succeed or get ahead if you do not entertain the people in power. The best you can do is understand how things at your office work and adapt to them. It does not mean you get into dirty tricks, but learn how to cope with such situations.
- Lack of Flexibility
We all want room for flexibility when it comes to working. As I always say, our jobs are our second home. You cannot stay rigid and fixed at your home. Many organizations do not want to provide flexibility to their employees.
Employees are the biggest asset of any organization. As long as your employees feel free and comfortable working for you, they’ll give their best. Flexibility in terms of leaves, half-days, loans, and other help can help you form long-term bonds with your employees.
How to offer flexibility at the workplace?
Recently, Zomato came up with giving a ‘period leave’ to its female and transgender employees to end the stigma about menstruation. Such gestures show your concern towards your workforce. It helps you create healthy and long-term bonds.
