OFW guide: Disruptive workplace issues

Every company aims to be productive in the most effective and efficient way possible. It is thus important to identify issues that disrupt the workplace and create tension among employees.

 

GMA News Online culled a list of some disruptive workplace issues based on an article on the information site E How .

 

(1) Cut-throat competition

 

While a little competition may help boost employees' performances, too much competition will trigger tension. An aggressive amount of competition may disrupt teamwork in the workplace.

 

Tip: Manage internal competition by setting realistic goals for your employees. Make them realize that everyone is part of the team.

 

(2) Unofficial "meetings"

 

Employees should know the proper time and place for workplace conversation. Informal and extended "unofficial meetings" — whether inside the office or outside during the lunch hour — are very disrespectful to co-workers. Some employees forget that a company is a place of work. They see the office as a place to socialize instead of a place where they are called to serve.

 

Unofficial meetings inside the office often create too much noise which disrupts other people's work. On "meetings" outside the office during the lunch hour, employees should be time-conscious and be respectful of the company's guidelines on lunch breaks.

 

Tip: Clarify all issues during official company meetings. Prepare to bring up recent issues during future meetings.

 

(3) Respect

 

To be respected, give respect. Respect is one of the major factors that causes co-workers to turn from good friends to the worst of enemies.

 

In the workplace, it is important to respect everyone’s point of view. Discourage anyone — from the lowest-ranked employee to the top boss — from looking down on others. To work successfully with one another, employees must give proper respect to one another's jobs and responsibilities.

 

Tip: If you have a problem with a co-worker, discuss it privately. Be open to the possibility of reconciliation. Don't force other people to adjust to you. Learn to express yourself in a respectful way without hurting the feelings of other people.  

(4) Lack of purpose

 

Having no specific work purpose is always a recipe for disaster.

 

The lack of purpose will lessen the productivity of employees as they will only have a vague idea of what their goals are in the long run. Having no direct goal in sight also creates an atmosphere of procrastination.

 

Tip: Always list down short and long term goals everyday. This will help you keep track on what you have and need to accomplish.

 

(5) Prejudice

 

A company has employees with diverse cultural backgrounds. The staff must be reminded to avoid being prejudicial against one's co-workers. Instances of prejudice must be reported to the human resource department.

 

Tip: Learn to accept everyone for who they are. While you may find some people's beliefs or habits "strange" or even annoying, maintain a spirit of respect. Avoid any arguments or skirmishes with your co-workers. 

 

(6)  Violence

 

There is no argument that cannot be resolved peacefully. There is never a reason for an argument to escalate into workplace "violence." According to www.ehow.com, "the fear of workplace violence can be very disruptive." If unreported, workplace violence may result in a decrease in productivity and increased absenteeism.

 

Tip: To avoid violence, be sensitive to others’ position and feelings. More importantly, report immediately any incident of violence.

 

(7) Lack of promotions

 

Many employees feel they are stuck in their jobs to the point that they outgrow the job itself.

 

Keeping employees who have outgrown their jobs at their current position will send them the signal that they are taken for granted or not good enough to be promoted.

 

Tip: When up for promotion, consider tenure as a factor. Many employees are skipped for promotion even if they have been serving in the company for years. This tends to hurt them even if they might keep quiet about it. - Andrei Medina, VVP, GMA News