Trying to alter stress in the workplace - your opinions

[SRP]

Hi -
I'm wondering if any of you would like to help me with your opinions and advice, and whether it would be okay to post similar stuff on a more frequent basis, if anything develops out of this.

I work in a fairly high-stress environment - a creative services department with lots of tight deadlines and the typical dissatisfied customers. On top of that, our department has recently been absorbed by another office on campus with not-to-pleasant results. The entire staff feels it and has to content with various management problems as well as a heavy workload.

I'm trying to figure out how to approach this. I thought last night that maybe I could develop an anonymous survey and give the staff an opportunity to point out problems and offer creative solutions. I asked a trusted friend who is also in lower management, and she didn't seem too keen on the idea.

I've also thought of simply writing everything out the way I see it, in a concerned manner, and presenting it to the director.

What I really want is to make management aware that there are many unhappy workers. I'm sure they know this, but as long as we do nothing, why should they worry about it? But more importantly, I want them to know that we all want to work towards productive solutions.

Any ideas out there? Thanks!

 

[nancy324]

I don't know how long you've been in your position, but I think that first and foremost you need to establish clout. Establish yourself as someone whose opinion is well-respected and who is thought of as a reasonable person. Then start talking to the right people, a little bit at a time. I've seen my husband do this countless times in his company, and sooner or later he always gets his way. It takes time though, and every time they change management he has to newly ingratiate himself.

-Nancy

 

[red_mct]

Nancy's suggestion is a good one. Influencing in the workplace is a skill that is in pretty short supply.

I also think it's important that if you are going to approach anyone in management, that you have a perfectly clear description of the problem - don't do more than 1 or 2 at a clip - with supporting documentation and such - AND a solution that might alleviate the issue. I am in management and I will tell you that one of the most frustrating aspects of my job is for someone to bring me a problem and look at me to solve it. Sometimes it just works out that way and that's fine, too, but if you want to promote your career growth, establish yourself as a solution-oriented and not a problem-oriented person. Also, if there are morale issues, don't partake in the conversation unless you are going to try to take it up to a more positive level.

Good luck! I hope it works out for you.
Marie