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10 Issues and Their Solution: Romualyn R. Ramirez July 2, 2014 Assoc2a HRM

The document outlines solutions to common issues that arise in workplaces. It discusses eight issues including people failing to meet targets, unimportant meetings, misuse of authority, incompetence, having too much work and too little time, lack of recognition and more criticism, gossip, and harassment and bullying. For each issue, it describes the effect on the workplace and provides three to four solutions such as setting clear expectations and responsibilities in writing, providing training and feedback, recognizing good performance, and addressing gossip and inappropriate behavior. The overall document aims to provide managers with strategies to resolve workplace problems and improve employee motivation, productivity and relationships.

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45 views8 pages

10 Issues and Their Solution: Romualyn R. Ramirez July 2, 2014 Assoc2a HRM

The document outlines solutions to common issues that arise in workplaces. It discusses eight issues including people failing to meet targets, unimportant meetings, misuse of authority, incompetence, having too much work and too little time, lack of recognition and more criticism, gossip, and harassment and bullying. For each issue, it describes the effect on the workplace and provides three to four solutions such as setting clear expectations and responsibilities in writing, providing training and feedback, recognizing good performance, and addressing gossip and inappropriate behavior. The overall document aims to provide managers with strategies to resolve workplace problems and improve employee motivation, productivity and relationships.

Uploaded by

Don Villegas
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Romualyn R.

Ramirez

July 2, 2014

Assoc2a

HRM

10 Issues and Their Solution

Issue 1: PEOPLE FAIL TO MEET TARGETS CONTINUALLY


The Effect:
One of the first problems occurring in the workplace could be with people who fail to give the
expected performance, repeatedly. It can be a major problem, because one person not achieving
the target, can put pressure on the other team members as well. More so, it can, at times, render
the other team member's work useless, if you know what I mean.
The Solution
Make sure that the target is mutually agreed upon. If a target is forced upon an employee, it is
only understandable if they don't achieve it.
Have regular milestone checks done. This is really good to avoid any kind of procrastination
on the part of the employee. You can also couple that with feedback. This ensures that the
employee gets all the required support during the project.
Make sure that all the employees are aware of the performance bonuses. Give them gifts,
recognition lunches, etc., for achieving their targets.
If a person fails to achieve the target, you can implement these penalties for the same. You can:
Make working over time mandatory till the work is completed
Cut back on incentives
Display (on the noticeboard) the names of those who don't achieve their targets, etc.
These will serve as an example for employees to make sure that they refrain from repeating such
behavior. These solutions are the same for every hierarchical level. No matter which strata of the
hierarchy the employee fits in, the rules need to be the same for all.

Issue 2: UNIMPORTANT MEETINGS; LENGTHY AND INSIGNIFICANT DISCUSSIONS

The Effect:
Meetings are important no doubt. However, calling a meeting for discussing small matters can
prove to be a waste of valuable resources and time. Hence, make sure that you plan out a
meeting properly.
The Solution
Make sure that you make it a practice in the workplace for everyone to know that meetings
only need to be held for important matters. If possible, two to three matters can be dealt within
one meeting.
Keep timings for the meetings fixed. Like, make sure that the meeting starts on time and ends
on time as well. However, there are times when certain matters cause the meeting to elongate.
That being an occasional event, can be allowed.
Make sure there are meeting runners, not takers, minute keepers etc., and other such job roles
assigned to people. This will help streamline the meeting.
Call only required people for the meeting. Make sure that only people who are associated
with the points discussed in the meeting, attend it. The others can receive updates of the
meeting with the help of internal workplace communication.
Make sure that there are monthly off-site meetings organized. This helps discuss major
matters in these meetings. More so, there is more time at hand, in the off-site meetings, as
compared to in-house ones.

Issue 3: PEOPLE MISUSE THE TERM "AUTHORITY"


The Effect:
Another major problem in the workplace pertains to people not having the required authority to
take decisions. This is common at the workplace wherein individuals are power struck and
don't believe in delegation of authority.

The Solution

Make sure that everyone has written acknowledgment for their respective responsibilities and
authorities. Another thing to ensure is that if someone is responsible for a certain project or a
task, one needs to have certain amount of authority for the same, as well.
Make sure that there are clear-cut defined boundaries. People should not override others who
are responsible.
Make sure there is an agreement about the authority and responsibility; for example, when
you are planning to promote a certain employee to a leadership position and give him authority
over the team. Discuss it with the rest of the team, to ensure that it is agreed upon. Get all
agreements in writing.
Authorities and responsibilities need to be discussed and defined in writing. It is also always
better to announce it in front of other employees, to avoid discrepancies.

Issue 4: INCOMPETENCE IN THE WORKPLACE


The Effect:
Inability to work well by some employees has always been an issue at every workplace. As these
employees don't do their work properly, there is always a need to supervise or look into their
work a second time, which can be quite time-consuming in crunch situations. So, how do we
deal with such incompetent employees?
The Solution
One thing that you need to acknowledge is that the problem is, sometimes, not about
incompetence but that of overload of work, lack of motivation at work or other motivational
problems, etc. So, be nice to the person and repeat your request in a calm manner. Losing your
temper and lashing at them is not going to make them perform any better. However, being nice
might motivate them to do their work in the right way.
Proper training is the key to getting better performance. Remember that every employee needs
company-specific training in the least. So, try to find out what's the problem that's causing the
incompetence. Once you have singled it out, you can solve it.
This problem needs a lot of tact and patience to solve. However, make sure that you try to
judge a person's competence even before you hire him/her. This ensures lesser problems at
work.

Issue 5: TOO MUCH WORK TO DO, TOO LITTLE TIME IN HAND


The Effect:
This is another common occurrence at workplaces, but it should be dealt with and managed
well, otherwise it will affect the quality of work. What is the point in completing the work
targets, when it has got several mistakes in them. This problem calls for systematic planning and
division of work.
The Solution
Make a list of the tasks and prioritize the work. Delegate the work in accordance with that.
Make sure that the daily interruptions are in control. It is best if you avoid it from affecting the
work.
Be sure that there is a clear-cut schedule for the work prepared. More importantly, make sure
that everyone sticks to the schedule.
Keep certain fixed times for meetings. Random and sudden meetings often come in the way of
the flow of work, making it longer to get completed.
Arrange a way for employees to communicate with each other, without wasting much time.
Many organizations prefer to have an internal messenger system. With this, the employees can
stay in touch with each other, without stepping out from their workstations, making them more
efficient.
All these ways help employees to work faster. Always remember, it is when a person is happy
with the job, that he/she will do it most efficiently and effectively.

Issue 6: LACK OF WORK RECOGNITION; MORE CRITICISM


The Effect:
Some work for fulfillment, while others work out of love and passion for their work. While
working, recognition and acknowledgement play a vital role in boosting employee morale,
without which, work productivity could suffer. Also constant criticism would not go down well
with employees. Criticism and lack of recognition would eventually make employees lose
interest in their work.

The Solution
Make sure that the performers get special mention for their work.
Ensure that other employees (the ones who are performing at par with each other every
month) also get appreciation for their work.
One needs to ensure that the non-performing employees are encouraged and motivated to
work. Motivation in the workplace should be done in the right way.
Have regular feedback sessions with all the employees. Also ensure that they are encouraged
to talk without any fear. This is so that you get an honest feedback.
Avoid criticizing any employee in front of the others.
Do not compare two employees, unless you are comparing them from every angle.
Do not make any comments on the person's private life. One needs to understand that a
person's private life is exclusive from their professional life, and personal problems should be
kept away from such discussions.
Give constructive criticism in a productive manner. Make sure that it is done without
patronizing the employee. These solutions are in accordance with avoiding lack of motivation in
the workplace.
It is the responsibility of the management to see to it that workplace issues are resolved. Added
to that, the management should also consider other issues that may lead to a problem at the
workplace in the near future.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/problems-in-the-workplace.html

Issue 7: Gossip
The Effect
Gossip in the workplace is another very common issue that can damage relationships and
diminish productivity of people, teams, and even entire divisions. It's understandable on some
level for people be interested in their co-workers' lives; with many workweeks stretching beyond
40 hours, workers may see their colleagues more than just about anyone else. When gossip rages
about sensitive issues, such as a co-worker's failing marriage or a possible workplace romance,
however, it can become destructive and can create a great deal of negativity.

The Solution
Keep overheard conversations or confidential admissions of other workers private and stay out
of conversations where others are gossiping.
Individuals can remind co-workers that none of them would probably enjoy being the subject
of gossip.
Managers can also work to keep personal matters off the table when it comes time to making
decisions for projects, assignments, and promotions, and can look for ways of encouraging
constructive and positive chatter amongst employees.

Issue 8: Harassment and Bullying


The Effect
One of the most dangerous problems in the workplace is office bullying, which often goes handin-hand with harassment. The main difference is usually the power dynamics between the
primary players. Bullying happens most often between employees of equal stature, whereas
harassment is usually defined by one person exerting his or her control or authority over
someone in a weaker or subservient position. The consequences of each are harmful, both to
individuals and corporate teams.
Bullying and harassment happen most often when workers feel pressured by one or more
colleagues, bosses, or co-workers into behaving in certain ways. Sometimes the pressure
revolves around reporting problems or taking part in illicit activities and sexual relationships,
but it can also be as simple as a group or individual ganging up on one or more others in order
to make them feel outside. People who are bullied in the office often find that they shoulder
more than their fair share of the work while others take credit for their efforts.
The Solution
Although workers may be afraid to speak up in these situations, it is important for the safety
of everyone that bullying and harassment be immediately reported and handled at once.
If management is not listening or takes part in bullying, employees should speak to human
resources staff or individuals in upper management in order to ensure that the work
environment remains a safe and judgment-free place for everyone.

Issue 9: Communication
The Effect:
Communication between management and staff is very often one of the biggest causes of
workplace issues. If management is not open to listening or implementing solutions that would
make life easier or more efficient for workers, it can be perceived as cold-hearted or uncaring.
This, in turn, can cause it to lose the respect of the employees. Resentment and bitterness often
follow.
If, on the other hand, workers do not give a manager an honest chance to lead the team and
refuse to follow suggestions, the manager may also become resentful and angry.
The Solution
In a workplace setting, it is vital that everyone feels that they can be safely and fairly heard.
Sometimes this can be done in team meetings;
open-door policies and transparency between executives and laborers is also usually a step in
the right direction.

Issue 10: Motivation and Morale Issues


The Effect
Another core issue arises when workers at any level begin to grow dissatisfied with their work.
This can happen for a number of reasons. Some are more or less universal, for instance a
company deciding to shift the work of departing employees onto those who remain rather than
hiring replacements; it can also be personal and individual, though, such as the manager who
simply doesnt get along with key members of her team, or a boss who is disrespected and
widely perceived to be unfair.
Whatever their root, morale issues can lead to low productivity and performance issues, which
in many cases will impact a companys bottom line.
The Solution
Solving this problem often starts at the hiring phase, and companies with the best teams often
have strong policies in place to hire not just the best candidates on paper, but rather the
individuals who will work best, personality-wise, with people already on the team.

Looking for ways to balance work and outside life can also help improve morale, and
employees who look for ways to make the best out of their situations are often the happiest both
when it comes to job satisfaction and individual career development.
http://www.wisegeek.org/what-are-the-most-common-workplace-issues.htm

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