Common Workplace Frustrations and How to Overcome Them

Frustration at work can be difficult to deal with, leaving us unsure who to turn to or what to do. It can soon become overwhelming and end up in negativity and disappointment to the point where we all lose our work enthusiasm. But, it doesn’t have to be this way. Obstacles can often be minimized but if you are unsure how to handle them then take a look at these common workplace frustrations and what you can do about each.

Your job is different from what you applied for

This might not be deliberate but the work you are doing sure isn’t what you were told in the interview. So what should you do? Talk to your manager. Let them know that when you applied for the job the tasks you thought you would be responsible are not matching up with the work you are actually carrying out.

Make sure that your tone of voice and body language is calm and relaxed. You will get the best results if you make it clear that you simply want to solve a problem, not come to complain. You might find out that your role has simply changed and there isn’t anything you can do, or your manager might see if they can adjust your work.

Either way, you should leave this conversation with an answer and a better idea of what to expect from your job in the future, allowing you to make a decision from there.

You’ve become overwhelmed with your work

If your workload has gone up dramatically, compared to what it used to be, and you feel that everything seems to be getting on top of you or becoming too much, you need to raise concern.

Pick a moment where your manager isn’t busy or arrange a meeting with them to talk about how your workload has become unmanageable for you – for instance it may have doubled in size over the last year or you may have taken on someone else’s responsibility that no longer works within the company anymore. Explain what is behind the workload and ask for help where it is needed.

Equipment problems

You’re having equipment problems or are unsure how to use certain things in the office. Whatever it is—maybe you don’t know how to fix a printer cartridge issue or perhaps your second monitor isn’t working—just ask and avoid these issues upsetting your productivity.

You have recurring problems with a coworker

You have tried and tried to be nice, but every conversation you have with this coworker just ends in a disagreement or conflict which constantly makes it hard for work to get done. It’s becoming a negative environment for you to work in.

For an issue such as this, you need to remove your ego from the situation and attempt to work together for the sake of your jobs. If things can’t be rectified this way then speak to someone senior about the issue.

You make a mistake

You’ve made a mistake—it’s a fairly big one and it has caused harm to your team. Remember you are only human and we all make mistakes but when it is something to do with work it can be hard for you to face your manager and other co-workers.

The worst thing for you to do is be in denial and hide from responsibilities. Own up to your actions and face them directly, explaining everything that has happened. Make it clear that you know it was a mistake and make a point of explaining you will be more careful in the future.

Hopefully, this you now feel ready to overcome any of these common problems you may face in work. Just remember to take a deep breath before doing anything and handle everything calmly.