Virtually everyone runs into problems in the workplace at some point or other. How you deal with these issues can mean the difference between a happy workplace or looking for a new job. We have compiled a list of the most common reasons for workplace problems, disputes and issue and how you should deal with them.
Unreasonable behaviour from a colleague
This could be anything from sexual harassment to someone not really giving you the time of day. Sexual harassment, bullying or discrimination of any kind needs to be reported immediately. Tell your colleague that their behaviour is unacceptable and go and see your boss and state that you find the behaviour of a colleague unacceptable and you want something done about it.
If your grievance is against your boss, then go to see their boss. Don’t be scared, nobody should have to put up with this kind of behaviour in this day and age. Still, too many people are worried to report this problem and unfortunately it’s not one that will go away on its own.
If you feel that a colleague on a similar grade to you is not responding to requests for information or completing tasks that you need from them to get your own work or projects done, you need to informally discuss it with them, find out why they aren’t doing what you need. It may be a case of that they don’t have time because they are overworked. If this is the ,reason you need to get your colleague to speak to their boss to try to get help.
If this doesn’t work you need to see if your boss can lend a helping hand and resolve the situation. It isn’t your fault that they are overworked and you probably can’t resolve this situation directly. It may be better for you to ask someone else in your colleagues department to help and give you the information you need.
Unrealistic demands on your workload
This may come from your boss or your colleagues. It is a difficult one to resolve because you don’t want to come across that you can’t cope or get stressed out easily. Initially you should try to see if you can work through the tasks. Prioritise and manage your time correctly and try to stick it out. If it is only for a short time then things will return to normal and at least you will have shown your flexibility and ability to work under pressure.
If you find that the work is unrelenting and you are falling further behind, it is best to go to speak to your boss about it. At least you are giving them a heads up before everything goes wrong and you really fall drastically behind. Your boss may take some of your responsibilities of you or allocate more resources.
You don’t get on with your colleagues or boss
The workplace always runs smoother if everyone gets along or has similar interests. In larger companies, this doesn’t always happen and smaller companies are not immune to this problem either. You need to remember that work isn’t a social event and you are there to earn money and develop your career. You don’t have to like people but it helps.
It is far better to accept that someone acts respectfully and you understand their business logic, rather than liking someone who you wouldn’t trust or acts unfairly. If you really can’t stand anyone in your office, the time has come to update your CV and move on.
