Whether it’s a new colleague who is nice to everyone else but you or a coworker who is constantly bothering everyone, bringing up a workplace issue isn’t always as easy as it sounds. However, if you take the time to keep these 3 tips in mind before you even think about venturing into the unknown, you’ll be able to handle any situation with poise and professionalism.
Don’t be a negative Nancy.
While complaining to others (especially someone who can resolve the issue) is one way to bring attention to the fact that there is a problem, it can make people feel uncomfortable and people may perceive you as immature. The right way to "complain" is to bring up the issue in a positive way. I call this a constructive complaint. How do you do that? It's easy, after you mention the issue, offer several solutions immediately after you communicate what the challenges are. You may have a legitimate complaint, but if you are venting and not offering solutions, then you probably don’t actually have a problem.
Know your rights. Don't be afraid to speak up when someone is harassing you or discriminating you.
If you are dealing with a serious problem at work, make sure that you know your rights. There are certain things that you are allowed to do on your own (e.g. you can’t be fired for complaining about how your boss treats you), but if you are having a problem that is affecting your work, your employer has certain obligations to you. You have the right to file a complaint about anything that you believe is having a negative effect on your job, including harassment, discrimination and unfair treatment. In order to file a complaint, you don’t have to be able to draw a straight line between what is wrong with your workplace and how it affects you. You just need to be able to explain what is wrong and why it’s a problem. Not only is it important to know your rights, but it is also important to know who you should talk to. If you are unsure who you can talk to, go straight to HR.
Find a trusted peer and don't become a gossiper.
If you are serious about improving the way that your workplace operates, there are a few people that you can turn to first. Find that sweet spot between complaining and taking action and you will be much farther ahead than you would be if you just tried to solve every issue on your own. Take a close look at your colleagues, but don’t forget about your supervisors and managers either — they can play a really important role in helping to improve the way that your company operates. When several people bring up the work issue, a thriving and caring company will definitely be more attentive and willing to change. When communicating your suggestions on your own or as a group, be respectful and refrain from using words that have an aggressive undertone.
Above all, remember to be respectful and maintain professionalism.