A workplace is not just a physical space. It is also a virtual environment where people become involved in job operations or activities by collaborating, and participating while aiming for their career objectives.  Of course, a workplace also includes elements such as the hierarchy level, tasks, ethics, or rules and regulations that control manners and productivity. Also, in a place where many people work together, there is a possibility of issues and problems arising. How do we address these issues effectively? Read on.

Examples of issues that can arise in a workplace

Both the employee and the employers can unexpectedly be at loggerheads for the following reasons which include: 

On the part of the Employers

• Poor Management.
• Faulty customer service.
• Mismanagement of information resulting in unclear communication within the organization. 
• Employee theft.
• Illegal access to the company’s sensitive data. 

On the part of the Employees

• Lack of Recognition 
• Discriminating factors, like race, age, gender,  sexual preference, etc., lead to unfairness. 
• Persistent aggressive behavior from a colleague or superior
• Clash among coworkers
• Sexual Abuse

Effect of Not Addressing Workplace Issues 

• Negative work environment: 

If issues such as bullying, discrimination, and harassment come up, organizations must address them immediately before resentment sets in. Otherwise, employees feel discouraged, and out of place which may affect their physical and mental health. Also, it may result in friction between team members and put a strain on the work environment.   

• Reduced productivity: 

Employees who have a hard time thinking about company issues might get preoccupied with their thoughts. This may result in them becoming less involved and motivated in work activities, resulting in low efficiency. People are more productive when they are in a better state of mind. Having unresolved issues at work can put them in a space or corner that will hinder their commitment to work. 

• Lack of communication within the organization: 

Failure to communicate openly and give opinions when certain things do not go well in a company will bring lots of misunderstanding, secrecy, lack of trust, rumors, and disrupted workflows. This may also cause disunity among the employees and superiors. Communication is one of the most important factors for organizational growth. 

Tips to effectively resolve workplace Issues.

• Identify the problem: 

Highlight the issue intensely, while you reflect on recurring experiences that bother you. This will help you to understand and analyze the problem. You can notice patterns and causes of Issues which can provide you with different solutions that can be explored. Also, you can keep records of incidents and gather evidence to compare and evaluate them to see if the issues contradict the company’s code of conduct and if there are laid-out guidelines to address the issue. 

• Choose the right place and time: 

Timing is very important when deciding how to effectively communicate workplace problems. As an individual, you should focus on when the other party is emotionally available and not overwhelmed by other responsibilities. Also, when addressing workplace issues, avoid discussing them in public. Instead, you should summon the employee to an office and address the issue in private. 

• Communication: 

When using the different channels of communication, ensure you clearly and precisely pass across the message without attacking or negatively criticizing the receiver of the message. Analyze the Issue and identify the best channel of communication as this seems very important. This will help you avoid miscommunication and further misunderstanding. Furthermore, do not only talk while resolving the issues but try to listen to the concerns of others too. Ensure to remain calm, making sure the conversation is more targeted to correct, rather than to condemn.

• Offer potential solutions: 

It is not just enough to correct, you must always be sure to provide solutions and guidance when needed. Evaluate the cause of the problem, and come up with possible and effective ways to move forward. The purpose of doing this is to prevent the recurrence of the same or similar issues and also, the parties involved can learn something new and move past the issues in no time. 

• Ensure follow-up and Feedback 

After identifying and communicating the issue to the involved parties, follow up to know if changes have been effected. This will also give room for feedback, and provide an opportunity to reevaluate solutions and guidelines for subsequent times. For every issue within the organization, there must be a check-in and follow-up session for people to express their thoughts and observations. 

 
Most importantly, addressing workplace issues is not just between the organization and the employees, it can also be between employees. Regardless, keep an open mind to corrections, and be willing to listen while considering other people’s perspective.