Things not going well at work?

If you’ve considered quitting, you’re not alone. Nearly 47 million Americans quit their jobs in 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Amid the continued pandemic and a labor shortage that gives job seekers an advantage in many industries, one thing is clear: Workers who don’t feel valued don’t feel obligated to stick around. Employers have refocused their efforts on staff retention. And that means there may be no better time for discontented workers to speak up.

Work Problems? Don’t Quit Just Yet!

What Don’t You Like About Your Job?

First, consider why you want to resign. Are you overworked? Looking for a challenge? Interested in learning new skills?

Is your problem fixable?

If you don’t at least attempt to resolve the situation, you never know what could change. Talking to your boss could be the first step.

“If they don’t know there’s a problem, they can’t solve it, Speaking up can win you a better role, a promotion, or more,” advises Fast Company. “And fixing your current work environment is a heck of a lot easier than starting your job search from scratch – so it’s worth a shot.”

Present the Problem & Offer a Solution

Before barreling into your boss’ office with a list of complaints, take a step back. Then, consider what exactly is making you unhappy and what management could do about it.

“Come prepared with a plan,” Forbes advises. “It will be important to come with options to put on the table. What ideas do you have to resolve what is making you consider quitting? If anything were possible, how would you do it?”

For instance, if your workload is extreme, you might ask for assistance, or a reduction in responsibilities, clients or hours. If you’re interested in career development, you could request tuition reimbursement or flexible hours to attend a course.

“We can’t wait for organizations to give us what we need,” Rebecca Longman, a business psychologist, and author told The Washington Post. “We need to be agents of change and take control back to benefit ourselves and our co-workers.”

By suggesting one or more solutions to your own problem, you appear confident and proactive. Go in without a plan and you risk looking like a whiner.

Is it Worth the Risk?

Many people find it hard to speak up at work. They fear that their ideas will be shot down, that they’ll be reprimanded or even fired.

Sometimes those fears are justified. If you don’t have a good relationship with your boss, if he or she doesn’t have the power to grant your request, or if you can’t afford to risk a regular paycheck, speaking up may not be the best choice.

Communicating about a difficult work situation isn’t easy. There’s no guarantee things will improve. But even if nothing changes, at least you’ll know you’ve done your best to remedy the situation before heading for the door.

Have You Found a Solution For Your Job?

If you’ve decided it’s time to make a change, contact Pro Resources Staffing Solutions for expert placement assistance.