Workplace Issues

What are Workplace Issues?

Workplace issues are problems related to one's work environment and experience. These problems can create hostility and conflict between employees and their companies or coworkers. They can lead to mental health issues such as increased stress, anxiety, depression, and even trauma. Nearly everyone who works is faced with workplace issues at one point in time. Common workplace issues may include:

• Poor work-life balance
• Sexual harassment
• Dangerous work conditions
• Low hourly pay or salary
• Negative company culture
• Conflicts with coworkers
• Workplace abuse or bullying
• Unreasonable job responsibilities
• Racism, ageism, and other forms of discrimination
• Challenges with one's supervisor

These problems and others can make a workplace seem toxic. For example, a worker may be propositioned with "quid pro quo" harassment, when a superior seeks sexual favors in exchange for a job benefit. Beyond being highly inappropriate, this sexual harassment can cause the targeted employee to suffer from damaged self-esteem, emotional distress, and other mental health problems. Different workplace issues, like low salary or dangerous work conditions, can threaten a worker's financial and even physical health.

One of the most common forms of workplace issues is bullying or abuse from coworkers. It can occur in a number of situations, from high performers facing threats from jealous coworkers, to a worker receiving unreasonable requests from a supervisor. Workers may be too fearful to confront work abusers and complaints to HR departments and supervisors can be unfruitful or even detrimental, leading to incidents going unreported.

Mental health therapy can mitigate the negative emotions and behaviors arising from workplace issues. Therapists may listen to people's workplace issues and provide advice for how to navigate a number of work-related problems. Online counseling can be particularly helpful in the modern workplace. Direct access to a therapist throughout the day can help alleviate recurring pressure and anxiety arising from one's job. In some cases, therapists may encourage some to seek other job prospects and opportunities.