Ways to Troubleshoot a Challenging Workplace

Aug 15

Has your workplace become challenging, to say the least?

While many of us must work to support our families and lifestyles, what you don’t have to do is give into the pressures and downfalls of a troublesome, toxic or negative workplace.

Let’s take a closer look at the downfalls of a challenging workplace, troubleshooting certain situations and when to ask for help, support or guidance.

The Downfalls of a Challenging Workplace

For many, their workplace is a safe space. One that is dedicated to teamwork, communication and dedication. With the right approach, management team and coworkers, this is truly possible!

Unfortunately, without the right combination of key elements that can help to create a functional, productive and inclusive workplace, you can face a situation that is downright challenging.

The downfalls of a challenging work environment can include:

Low productivity
Low employee morale
High turnover rates

In most cases, this is a direct result of unhappy employees. Whether employees are facing issues with their superiors, coworkers or the job at hand, not addressing the issue can leave the situation at a standstill or make things worse.

As an employee, there are a number of things that you can do to advocate for yourself and, hopefully, make a lasting change for the better within your work environment.

Should I Handle It, or Human Resources?

Before you explore your options or put a plan into place, it’s important that you first determine if it is worthwhile to speak with human resources first.

If the situation puts your health and/or safety in danger, poses a legal issue or you simply aren’t comfortable addressing the situation without help, you may want to reach out to your human resources department or advocate.

How to Troubleshoot a Challenging Workplace

Maintain Your Composure and Stay Calm

The first step toward navigating conflict in the workplace is to remain calm. Acting out of anger, frustration or confusion can often make the situation worse than it already is.

Keep calm, remain professional and remove yourself from the situation if possible, and if necessary. Once you have had the opportunity to remove yourself from the situation and decompress, you can begin to analyze the situation, create a plan and make a change.

Analyze the Situation

Now that you have had time away from the situation, you can properly break it down and really analyze the events that occurred.

You may want to ask yourself:

When did the problem begin?
What events led to the problem escalating?
Has anything been done to resolve the conflict?
Who are the parties involved?
What would be a reasonable outcome?
Who can I ask for help?
What can I do to mitigate the situation?

Taking time to analyze the situation can help you to gain a better understanding and different perspective of the situation, which is key to long-term conflict resolution.

Strategize and Make a Plan

The right strategy can most definitely help you to achieve your goals. You deserve to be happy in your place of work, which is exactly what the right plan for conflict resolution can help you do.

The steps in your plan can depend on your unique situation. For those with poor work-life balance, a discussion with a supervisor and clear understanding of boundaries can help. While those lacking communication with coworkers and superiors may need to take the issue into their own hands, sending detailed follow-up emails, using instant messaging regularly and encouraging face-to-face communication.

Take Action!

You have a goal, you have a plan and you have motivation. It’s time to take action and create a better workplace environment for yourself, and possibly others!

As always, it is imperative that you maintain your composure. Practice professionalism every step of the way, but don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself if the situation presents itself.

Ask Your Life Coach for Guidance

Could you benefit from a little support in your conflict resolution?

Whether you’re well overdue for a raise in compensation, superiors aren’t providing recognition when it is due or another coworker is proving to be difficult to work with, your life coach can help.

If you’re navigating a challenging workplace, don’t be afraid to get in touch. I would be happy to work through the situation with you and help create a plan for effective conflict resolution!