Today there are many reasons why life at work can become a real nightmare. It’s not always easy to recognize the causes of professional unhappiness, so we’re giving you the top 4 to help you become aware of what you could change to make your work better.
4 Main reasons why we are dissatisfied at work
Lack of recognition, overworking, a horrible environment, etc.… Office life can sometimes be very difficult for employees. This unhappiness at work can cause serious symptoms from stress to a burn-out or even depression. Therefore, it’s important to know the causes of unhappiness at work to better identify risky situations in the company. Here are the top 4.
1. Professional exhaustion: a burn-out
Today, about 2 in 10 employees are on the verge of a burn-out, and we’re hearing more and more about bore-out. Whether it’s an overload of work or being sidelined, professional exhaustion can take several forms. And it’s all the more damaging because it can become a real obsession.
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2. We are made to feel like children
Infantilizing their staff would enable a boss to get more and more out of their employees. But for the employee, it’s particularly frustrating. Little trust, little independence and no consideration for their ideas. In these conditions, it’s difficult to flourish professionally.
From harmless incivility to all kinds of pollution (noise, smells, etc.). There are many reasons why the atmosphere between colleagues can become tense, and the professional environment can become toxic. This is particularly true in open spaces, where it’s difficult to see where individual boundaries lie.
3. Lack of recognition
7 out of 10 employees don’t feel they’ve been recognized for their true worth. Many are overqualified for their job, but beyond this frustration, employees often have the impression they’re not being listened to by incomprehensible managers, who are too sure of their own knowledge.
4. Communication problems
Misunderstanding an instruction, forgetting to add an addressee in an email, or just tense or non-existent communication between employees. Communication at work can become a real minefield if it’s taken too lightly.
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Unhappiness at work: What to do? How to react?
If the causes are now clear, it’s not always easy to know how to act in these situations.
To start with, you can visit your doctor, who is used to dealing with this kind of situation. You should also contact your work doctor. You may not know it, but you can request a spontaneous appointment without having to wait for the annual consultation. Medical secrecy prevents things from being revealed, and the doctor can judge your state of health and add it to a file which could serve as evidence in the event of criminal proceedings.
Finally, seek legal advice without going to court, just to know your rights, to understand the situation better and to be able to act if necessary.
Hidden signs of workplace dissatisfaction
Sometimes unhappiness at work manifests in subtle ways before becoming obvious. Watch for early warning signs like dreading Monday mornings, feeling constantly tired, or losing interest in activities you once enjoyed. Recognizing these signals early can help prevent more serious issues from developing.
Creating your happiness toolkit
While external factors contribute to workplace unhappiness, we can develop personal strategies to improve our situation. Building a "happiness toolkit" with specific actions and responses for challenging situations helps maintain emotional balance even in difficult work environments. Here are some essential tools:
Setting healthy boundaries
Many workplace issues stem from poor boundary setting. Learning to say no professionally, managing your time effectively, and protecting your personal space are crucial skills for maintaining workplace well-being. This includes both physical and emotional boundaries.
The power of micro-changes
Sometimes small adjustments can significantly impact your work satisfaction. Simple changes like rearranging your workspace, taking proper lunch breaks, or establishing a morning routine can create positive ripples throughout your workday. These micro-changes are often more sustainable than dramatic career moves.
Building a support network
Don't face workplace challenges alone. Creating a network of trusted colleagues, mentors, and friends who understand your situation can provide emotional support and practical advice when things get tough. This support system can be both inside and outside your workplace.
Editor’s note - Recognize your sufferingIf you feel bad in your daily work, don’t close your eyes to your suffering. Talk about it to those around you, and listen to the advice and opinions of your close ones. You can also seek help from a therapist to get through this difficult period. Whatever your situation, listen to your body, listen to its messages and communicate as much as possible. Connect with an advisor |
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