In an economy booming with over abundance and over inflation, no one is a stranger to unease in the workplace. If increasing consumer demand and high employee turnover isn't already enough cause for stress at work, add politics to the growing list.
Considering the leaps and bounds society has made regarding human rights and equality, one may wonder why so many people do not feel comfortable in their work environment. There are a few common responses to this, one of them being as classic and simple as the days of high school. Cliques.
Though most of us would be loathe to admit it, the way in which we conduct ourselves in the professional world is often lacking just that. Professionalism. Anyone can find themselves at the mercy of a clique or tight knit office group. Often it is the newcomer or the employee with exceptional skills that become the target for clique discrimination. Exclusion from social circles, rumors and gossip are just a few of the many things people can become subjected to when the victim of workplace drama. When we are trying to hurt one another at work, it isn't just politics anymore. It's outright juvenile dramatics.
Often the employer is unaware of the unfair treatment taking place within his or her company which leads one to ask, why not? Employers need to donate as much time to the personal goings on among employees as they do to money making. The majority of employees will keep silent rather than go to the boss with complaints of clique conflict out of fear for their job or even perhaps their safety. A common recommendation for people finding themselves in similar situations is nothing we haven't heard before. “Turn the other cheek” or “kill them with kindness” are both methods requiring great patience and self restraint but are often effective in undoing even the hardest of people.
Not only are cliques a viable problem for fellow employees but discrimination because of employer favoritism is also still well entrenched in the business world. Worse than the boss being uninformed and uninvolved is when the boss him or herself is at the center of the issue. The most obvious and common example of an employer playing favorites among the staff is the classic case of the boss's own family being the favored persons. Many employees find themselves backed into a corner where they feel their hands are tied because any dispute with employer family members could result in termination. Though this is illegal, it most certainly is happening.
Classic discrimination cases are indeed not as common as they once were, but race, age and gender are still reasons people are judged rather than by their ability. It is great news that this is no longer the norm, however, some people remain unchanged.
Of course not all politics in the workplace double as personal dramatics. Companies built on a hierarchical structure are filled with business politics as the race to climb the corporate ladder intensifies. Political allies are formed and the classic “rat race” mentality develops. In most cases this form of office politics is personally harmless and part of the daily grind of trying to get ahead. Though honesty and integrity can be called into question, more often than not it is hard work and dedication that win out ensuring no personal issue should arise from professional politics.
There are a variety of methods for handling trouble in the workplace. It is no longer just politics when it's haunting you on your off hours or causing undue stress. Nobody deserves to suffer in order to make a living and support their family. If you have a union, use it! It is there for your protection as an employee and a human being. Most unions take any kind of discrimination or workplace upset very seriously and will work to resolve the problem. However, if you are employed but do not have a union, there is always the Labor Board available for any workplace complaints that may arise. They are there to help so utilize their services as needed to protect yourself.
Government websites offer services for both employers and employees regarding everything from safety to fairness and mediation. Depending on your state or province, the website and information may vary but a basic Google search should turn up the information applicable to your situation. Employment standards are set for each jurisdiction making it important that you educate yourself and know your rights. Knowledge really is power.
When all else fails it may be time to consider moving on. There is no job that is worth your mental anguish and stress. If you are truly unhappy the best solution for you would be to find an occupation that allows you to be yourself and accepts you for that. There is no reason to suffer for a meaningless cause. Do what you must to keep afloat but never sacrifice yourself. In the end you need to answer the question, how much is your happiness worth?
