Employment Spot

Easy Solutions to Workplace Problems

Workplace problems seem to arise on a daily basis in some offices. Workplace issues depend on the type of work and may be industry-specific. Or they could vary depending on where your workplace is. For example, if your workplace is an office setting, you may deal with issues surrounding office etiquette; if you do construction or manufacturing work, your workplace may struggle with safety issues.

No matter what type of problem erupts in your workplace, here are a few tips for dealing with common problems.

• Evaluate your own behavior 
  Tensions in the workplace may run high on occasion, and before you speak to others about your concerns, you should always make sure your own behavior is part of the solution, not the problem. For example, if you feel constantly annoyed because a coworker takes extra long breaks throughout the day to smoke or go to lunch, try to control your own annoyance rather than your coworker. Remember that others probably notice this behavior also and that when it is time for the boss to hand out bonuses or promotions, your long-lunching friend may be left behind. Funnel your irritation into your own projects and duties; you may be pleasantly surprised at the rewards. Finally, make sure that you do not mimic the behaviors you find upsetting. Always arrive on time to work and stay until the end of the day. Take your allotted lunch period and no more. If you must take a break, take a quick walk to get some exercise. Remember – workplace problems need people to work toward the solution, not create more problems.
  
• Speak to a coworker directly 
  If you have a problem with how a coworker is behaving in the workplace, try to confront him or her directly before taking other action. It may aggravate the situation if you immediately approach your boss about a coworker’s behavior. Take a moment to consider how best to approach your workplace colleague. It is always best to ask to speak with a coworker privately and then discuss the situation away from other ears. If you feel uncomfortable with direct workplace confrontation, you may decide that email is a better way to alert a coworker to your concerns. Always keep in mind, however, that email is not private. Never write something in an email that you would not want anyone else to see.
  
• Speak to your supervisor 
  If a coworker has breached the safety of the workplace, for example, it may be necessary to consult with your supervisor immediately or as soon as possible. Consulting with your supervisor about a coworker or workplace situation may be the best alternative if another method has failed. When addressing concerns with your boss, make sure you avoid any hint of whining or complaining. Be specific: Give examples of workplace problems and remember that less is more. Telling your supervisor about one or two instances of a serious workplace problem is wiser than listing twenty complaints. Always speak to your supervisor about concerns privately and accept that not everything may get changed.
  
• Write a memo 
  If you supervise others and notice a workplace situation occurring within your staff or team, writing a memo to everyone may help address the problem. Workplace issues may be sensitive or cause people to feel uncomfortable, so a memo can reduce some of the tension. For example, if one or more people on your team are not adhering to the dress code, a memo may be the best solution. Include in the memo a statement that you have noticed the problem. Do not name specific persons who have not followed the dress code. State the dress code clearly and remind everyone that the dress code is to promote professionalism in the workplace. Remind the team of the consequences of ignoring the dress code. A workplace memo may be enough to fix the problem.
  
• Hold a meeting 
  If the type of situation in your workplace is of paramount importance, such as safety concerns, you may want to hold a meeting. Gather your team together and discuss the problem and brainstorm ways to solve it. When you ask for input from others, they are often more willing to actively participate in the solution. Remember that it will be difficult to hold a meeting for a team you do not supervise. If the problem is workplace wide and not specific to your team or employees, suggest to upper management that the company address the problem as a whole. Volunteer to lead the workplace discussion.

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