We’ve all had those days. Where we’ve considered hurling the alarm clock at the wall and refusing to go into the work on the basis that your bed is just too darn comfortable. However, when a latent desire to stick it to the man turns into real dread about going into work, then it’s time to look at the issue a little more seriously.
Considering we spend a third of our lives at work, workplaces issues are naturally a common source of stress. And while we understand that no workplace is a well-oiled machine and there are going to be inevitable conflicts along the way, we shouldn’t stand by and let this happen. With this in mind, here are 5 ways to deal with common problems at work
BEING OVERWORKED
News just in, if you’ve got the time to look away from your work to read it, that is; the UK is a nation of stressed-out workaholics. And perhaps feeding into the sense of burden and pressure is that, according to research, 48 per cent of UK workers do little to nothing to relieve work-related stress.
So, one of the best things you can do to alleviate the inevitability of this stress is to acknowledge it, and learn to say no. You may also need to work on learning how to say no in order to protect yourself from work being unfairly imposed on you. Check out our guide on the 7 tips on how to avoid overworking yourself, IDEAL for those wanting to redress their work/life balance.
CONFLICT, HARASSMENT OR DISCRIMINATION
Conflict, harassment and discrimination can have an impact on your physical and mental health, as well as your career and relationships, so for the sake of your wellbeing, do endevaour to take steps to end such conflict. First of all, get familiar with your rights by heading to the Citizen’s Advice website who offer advice and help in solving your problems.
If you are experiencing any of these problems at work that you want take forward with your HR team, it might first be wise to seek advice from a party not involved in the issues discussed, such as a solicitor.
Should a life-changing altercation, such as dismissal or redundancy happen, it’s even more important to remember that you don’t have to deal with this alone, and speak to an experienced lawyer. The solicitors at Spring House Law highlight that ‘’navigating the legal issues that pertain to your situation is incredibly difficult without the right help’’. An experienced solicitor understands exactly what protections are in place for you, and can guide you through the process – because the last thing you want when dealing with this conflict is to have to fight your corner alone.
GETTING A PAY RISE
You should be paid properly for your time, make no mistake. With a respectful wage comes enhanced enjoyment of your position, and as such, if you know you should be paid more, there’s no shame in asking for a review of your position and salary.
Fortune favours the brave. Never was a phrase more apt than in the case of getting a pay rise. Once you’ve got your case together which perfectly put forwards your indispensability, then don’t be afraid to actually ask for one. Your confidence and assuredness will be rewarded. Just make sure you do so with the right pitch; be bold but not cocky, direct but not rude, and most of all, have prepared the reasons why you deserve one.
A LACK OF DEVELOPMENT
Any decent employer will actively encourage you to learn new skills, gain new qualifications and become a more rounded ‘professional’, and the best way to do this is via training and courses.
Should you feel that this support and professional development is lacking in your office, then it might be worth finding a course appropriate for you and asking your manager to fund it. Once you’ve bolstered your CV thoroughly, you’ll also be the ideal candidate to get that pay rise we just mentioned, and your ‘superiors’ may well be impressed with your ambition.
LACK OF TEAMWORK
Teamwork makes the dream work. Whilst that’s a catchphrase you’d more likely see on David Brent’s wall than coming from the mouth of an industry leader, we can’t deny it resonates just a little.
But let’s be serious for a minute; teamwork at the workplace has broad implications way beyond who you’re going for a pint with when the clock strikes 5. A trusting and supportive relationship between employees fosters loyalty, improves productivity and encourages them to align their efforts to achieve a common goal.
Nobody likes a grass, but at the end of the day, if the lack of teamwork is preventing you from doing your job properly, or affecting your wellbeing overall, then it needs to be handled professionally and not ignored. All companies or workplaces should have a designated senior team member, whether it’s a team leader, supervisor or manager, and one who is always open to communication and trust. If you don’t have anyone like that in your establishment, firstly, question their process, since they’re most likely breaking the law.
THE BOTTOM LINE
It takes time, energy and bravery to resolve problems at work in a sustainable, responsible way. In doing so, you’ll make the office environment more enjoyable and productive for both you and your colleagues. In the meantime, if you’ve got more on your mind, check out these 5 ways to deal with stress at work.