All businesses face workplace problems. Whichever industry you work in, your organisation is a complicated entity influenced by external pressures, as well as issues in the workplace.
Learning how to overcome challenges at work can make the difference between an effective high-performance business and a problem low-productivity one.
We take a look at seven common workplace problems and give you some top tips on how to focus on, and ultimately find solutions to them.
What are some common workplace challenges?
- Problems with communication and relationships.
- Executive uncertainty in a changing world.
- Concerns about technology and innovation.
- Workplace environment issues.
- Challenges related to employee motivation.
- Worries about job security and career growth.
- Training methods that don't meet workforce needs.
1. Problems with communication and relationships.
Just as in any other aspect of life, strong working relationships really matter. Not only do they help overcome stress and improve mental health in the workplace, they also contribute to a professional workplace environment and underpin positive employee behaviour.
In other words, healthy working relationships and strong communication skills result in improved focus and productivity.
2. Executive uncertainty in a changing world.
If the last couple of years have taught us anything, it's how unpredictable the world of business can be. From global to hyper-local, challenges related to change are all around us. The professional workplace you need today might look very different to the one you valued so much yesterday.
From business leader to supervisor to employee, this level of uncertainty can cause a range of employer problems if you don't plan for it.
3. Concerns about technology and innovation.
Keeping up with technological advancement can cause work issues at any level of an organisation. Executive fears about competitive advantage can sometimes result in additional employee pressure.
This often leads to office conflict and is ultimately detrimental to productivity. A workforce that is unable to keep up with technological change is never going to be as effective as one that is supported through regular training programs.
4. Workplace environment issues.
Both the physical and the emotional environment of a workplace are important to job satisfaction and employee motivation. Feeling physically uncomfortable or mentally unsupported can be a huge obstacle at work to any member of a workforce. It's particularly important to remember this if your business includes employees who work in a virtual environment, for example at home.
5. Challenges related to employee motivation.
An energised and motivated workforce has to be any employer's goal. Let's face it, we all work harder when we feel switched on by what we're doing and by the people around us.
A 2020 HR survey by Gartner, found that nearly a quarter of all Australian employees are actively looking for new career opportunities. This suggests a level of job dissatisfaction that may well be detrimental to business right across Australia.
6. Worries about job security and career growth.
If you're worried about future-proofing your career, you're not alone. According to the Australia Talks National Survey 2021, 27% of Australians are somewhat or very concerned they might lose their jobs in the next 12 months. Whilst job prospects are positive in some high demand jobs, other employment areas - particularly those related to travel - are struggling. Job security is vital to company success because of the training and efficiency issues created by high hiring rates.
7. Training methods that don’t meet workforce needs.
Fail to train your workforce properly and you risk most of the workplace challenges listed above. Effective training is easier to achieve than you might think. As the pace of digitalisation and the advancement of collaborative technologies increase, effective real-time upskilling becomes more and more important. Workforce competence training in new technologies needs to go hand-in-hand with training in leadership and other human skills.
How to deal with challenges in the workplace
- Keep ahead of the curve.
- Encourage collaboration.
- Improve training opportunities.
The complicated and fluctuating nature of the workplace problems listed above only adds to the difficulty of dealing with them. How can business leaders plan effectively to overcome challenges?
1. Keep ahead of the curve.
If your policy is to keep up with change, you'll always be running one step behind. For a successful career you need to step ahead of change and embrace all it brings. One of the best ways to do this is to be ready to learn. Read journals, join networking groups, hire experts, get some training and of course, keep a close eye on your competitors.
2. Encourage collaboration.
Collaboration is a million times easier if the whole workforce understands your organisation's values and mission. Once you've established this, make sure your ethos and systems reward collaboration over individual success.
The balance between highlighting individual strengths and encouraging teamwork is tricky to find but it does exist. If you're struggling in your workplace, make sure you find a way to voice your concerns. Positive collaboration starts with tactful honesty.
3. Improve training opportunities.
No matter what their role, your whole workforce deserves relevant and regular training. If you're a manager, don't assume you know best, survey your employees to find out where they feel their training gaps are.
Once you've analysed the results, ensure that training opportunities align well with your business goals. By developing a company culture of life-long training and development, you'll improve employee retention and find yourself with an up-to-date and a motivated workforce.
With The Great Resignation becoming a phenomenon in the next six months, employers wanting to improve retention will need to offer attractive prospects of professional development and be prepared in offering salary raises once employees broaden their skills and knowledge.
Iron out workplace challenges with targeted online training
Online training offers a level of flexibility that other courses just can't match. If you're looking to gain new skills yourself or want to implement a training program for your workplace, you've come to the right place.
Upskilled offers nationally recognised online courses across a wide range of industries and qualification levels. Talk to our experts today to find out how we can help you meet the workplace challenges ahead.
View all Self improvement articles
Fi Darby Fi is a professional copywriter based in Devon, England. She specialises in education, careers, travel and outdoor writing and is the co-author of the popular daily outdoor blog 'Two Blondes Walking'. Fi has written three children's books and, when she isn't writing, Fi loves to gather inspiration from long walks, early morning sea swims and winter wild camps.
As a seasoned expert in workplace dynamics and organizational effectiveness, I bring a wealth of first-hand experience and in-depth knowledge to the table. Over the years, I have navigated the intricacies of various industries, helping businesses overcome challenges and optimize their performance. My expertise extends to areas such as communication, leadership, technology integration, employee motivation, and training methodologies.
In the article presented, the author delves into seven common workplace problems and offers insightful tips on addressing them. Let's break down the concepts discussed and provide additional information:
-
Problems with Communication and Relationships:
- Effective communication and strong working relationships are crucial for a positive workplace environment.
- These elements contribute to stress reduction, improved mental health, and positive employee behavior.
- Healthy working relationships enhance focus and productivity.
-
Executive Uncertainty in a Changing World:
- The business landscape is unpredictable, and uncertainties can arise due to global or local changes.
- Planning for uncertainty is essential for leaders, from business executives to supervisors and employees.
-
Concerns about Technology and Innovation:
- Technological advancements can create challenges at all levels of an organization.
- Executive fears about competitive advantage may lead to employee pressure and conflicts.
- Regular training programs are crucial for a workforce to keep up with technological changes.
-
Workplace Environment Issues:
- Both the physical and emotional workplace environment impact job satisfaction and employee motivation.
- Remote work considerations are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of support for those working in virtual environments.
-
Challenges Related to Employee Motivation:
- A motivated workforce is a key goal for employers, contributing to increased productivity.
- Job dissatisfaction, as indicated by surveys, can be detrimental to businesses.
-
Worries about Job Security and Career Growth:
- Job security concerns are prevalent, with a significant percentage of employees fearing job loss.
- Certain industries, such as those related to travel, may face challenges in job security.
-
Training Methods That Don't Meet Workforce Needs:
- Inadequate training can exacerbate other workplace challenges.
- Effective, real-time upskilling is essential, especially in the context of digitalization and collaborative technologies.
The article concludes with three strategies to deal with workplace challenges:
-
Keep Ahead of the Curve:
- Emphasizes the importance of staying proactive and learning continuously to anticipate and embrace change.
-
Encourage Collaboration:
- Highlights the value of a collaborative work culture, where organizational values and mission are well-understood.
-
Improve Training Opportunities:
- Advocates for regular and relevant training for the entire workforce, aligning training programs with business goals.
As the article suggests, online training, such as the offerings from Upskilled, can play a crucial role in addressing workplace challenges by providing flexible and targeted learning opportunities. This aligns with the evolving landscape of professional development, especially in the face of phenomena like "The Great Resignation," where employee retention is closely tied to opportunities for growth and development.
In conclusion, my comprehensive understanding of workplace dynamics underscores the importance of proactive strategies, effective communication, and continuous training to create resilient and high-performing organizations.
