Gallup’s “State of the Global Workplace 2021 Report” says only 20 per cent of employees are fully committed to their jobs, while around three-quarters of US workers are said to be thinking about leaving their jobs.
This is bad news for organizations that want to increase productivity and need to retain experienced staff. It’s also bad news for employees, many of whom say unhappiness and problems in the workplace lead to a lack of commitment.
There are many reasons why people feel unhappy at work. Let’s look at four of the most common problems and some possible solutions.
Problem 1 — Boredom
Everyone has a slow day at work now and then, but a 2018 survey by Korn Ferry shows that the top reason for leaving a job is boredom and a lack of new challenges (a higher salary only came fourth on the list).
Boredom can lead to low motivation, lack of purpose and focus. Erin Westgate, a social psychologist who has studied boredom at work, says: “We get bored when we aren’t able to pay attention or find meaning in what we are doing.”
Solution
Maybe you’re in the wrong job or the wrong organization, but think for a moment before you decide to ask for a transfer or start looking for a job in another company.
Make a list of things you value in a job. Then check whether you can find those in your present role. When you’ve made the comparison, ask yourself what advice you’d give to a colleague in the same situation. A change of perspective can help you see how you can improve things.
Warning
Boredom at work often leads to stress. Once you’ve defined how you’d like to change the situation, talk to your manager or HR to see how they can help.
Problem 2 — Lack of recognition
There’s an 83 per cent rise in engagement when organizations recognize small wins and efforts. And there’s a 48 per cent increase in the chance of burnout when recognition is reduced — says the O.C. Tanner Institute’s “Experience: 2020 Global Culture Report”.
We all want an occasional thank you for work well done. Not getting one can be very discouraging. Again, motivation drops and productivity suffers.
Carey Nieuwhof, author of At Your Best, says: “If you only obsess over what went wrong, you’ll never build a team committed to getting it right. The key is to truly celebrate what went right, identify what went wrong, and keep moving.”
Solution
No one has ever quit because they were over-encouraged, but organizations need clear guidelines for managers. Fairness is important in employee recognition. People who do the same good work should get similar recognition. Also, recognition should come reasonably soon — as close to the event as possible — and be consistent. But recognition is also personal. Some people enjoy public recognition while others may prefer a private thank you.
Warning
As a manager, offer recognition that is fair but not always the same. You don’t want it to become an entitlement. If an employee is always given a free lunch for a particular action, for example, it may become an expectation rather than a reward. Then, if the expectation is not met, it causes dissatisfaction and lower motivation.
Problem 3 — A bad boss
What can you do if your boss is controlling, never or rarely gives positive feedback and even takes credit for your work?
Psychologist Robert Hogan says 60–75 per cent of managers are poor leaders, ranging from managers who are just incompetent to those who are terrible and destructive. If this is right, it means too many of us face bad bosses at work.
Solution
Dealing with a bad boss is very hard, but perhaps quitting isn’t the only answer. Your boss might not be aware of the situation, so it may help to talk about what you need from them to do your job.
Ask your boss how you can help them reach their goals, too. Listen carefully and repeat what they say — this allows them to reflect on what they’re saying and might help them recognize any unreasonable demands.
If your mental health begins to suffer, it’s time to talk to HR. Explain what has happened and how you’ve tried to improve things. If the situation doesn’t get better, you can still quit.
Warning
Avoid talking to your co-workers about your difficulties with your boss. It can create negativity in your workplace. Talk to a trusted friend, family member or mentor instead. Involve colleagues only if it’s obvious that everyone is having the same problem.
Problem 4 — Bullying
According to data from the government’s Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), workplace bullying costs the UK economy £18 billion (€21.6 billion) each year. It causes high staff turnover, high levels of absenteeism and lower productivity.
Bullying can take many forms: verbal abuse, intimidation, humiliation or interfering in work processes. It may involve excluding someone from a group or just not paying attention to them.
Solution
Most organizations have policies on bullying and a code of conduct for all. There should also be a confidential way for employees to report bullying without fear of retaliation.
If you’re being bullied, keep a diary of what has happened, as most bullying occurs out of sight of others. Confronting a bully is never easy, but Jonathan Littman and Marc Hershon, in their book I Hate People, say that bullying should always be called out: make it clear that someone is shouting or behaving badly, then leave the room or end the call. “Remember: You’re the adult dealing with a tantrum,” write Littman and Hershon. “No wise parent gives in to a child’s fit because it just leads to more fits.”
Warning
Bullies often try to control their victims, acting over a long period of time through a slow process of psychological and emotional manipulation. It can be very hard to prove that this is happening. Have the courage to confront the bully sooner rather than later.