We spend much of our life at work; some of us remain in one or two workplaces for our entire working lives, others make their mark in a multitude of workplaces. Regardless, of where you work or who you work for, workplaces are dynamic and constantly undergoing change. On occasion we come across challenges and unpleasant experiences at work. If we aren’t happy at work then the other domains of our life can suffer.
What are some common work-related issues?
Issues in the workplace can take their toll if not identified and addressed. Here are some of the common issues people face at work:
- Conflict with colleagues and/or management
- Stress and work overload
- Difficulty adjusting to new changes
- Low job satisfaction or poor job fit
- Performance issues
- Communication problems
- Dealing with difficult personalities
- Harassment and/or discrimination
- Poor work-life balance
- Traumatic incidents (these tend to involve actual or threatened harm to workers)
Many of these issues occur even in the context of a virtual workplace, however, working remotely from your workplace can present its own issues such as isolation and disconnection from team.
Common signs of when things get too much
There’s a few things to look out for as a sign that work issue is having a negative impact on your overall wellbeing.
- Anxiety going to, or being at, work
- Withdrawal from interactions with others in the workplace
- Working long hours to the detriment of other areas in your life
- Having sleep problems
- Constantly thinking about work
- Frequent failure to complete tasks
- Poor concentration and focus
- Increase in conflict with others
- Changes in mood including low mood or irritability.
Self management tips and strategies
The management of work-related issues will largely depend on the type of issue you are facing. However, here’s some general tips in looking after yourself at work.
- Set a good routine and stick to it.
- Organise your time and prioritise tasks
- Take scheduled breaks and leave your work space if possible.
- Try to get adequate sleep
- Exercise regularly and try to eat well.
- Use relaxation strategies
- Maintain enjoyable activity outside of work
- Where possible, speak with management about your concerns
- Engage a support person to help
When can a Psychologist help?
When workplace issues start to impact on your general wellbeing including your physical and mental health then it might be time to seek additional support. Many workplaces have Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) where you can speak with their counsellor or psychologist without it being shared with your employer. Psychologists can help you work out strategies for managing challenges in the workplace and the impact they are having on your life. Our team is here to help when you need a bit of extra support in resolving the challenges you are facing at work. You can book online here, give us a call on (02) 4625 3339 or email us at admin@innerspacepsych.com.au.