What Should I Do? Workplace Scenarios

Starting your first corporate job can be tricky, especially if you’re unsure how to navigate certain workplace scenarios. Workplace conflicts and issues are part of the working world, but knowing how to handle these situations is a valuable skill to develop. If something has happened at work, and you’re unsure where to start, we got you!

We picked some common situations with ways you can solve them depending on your specific situation;

• Wrong pronunciations or the wrong pronouns
• Given responsibility that isn’t yours 
• Not able to meet deadlines that are set for you
• Should I email my coworkers outside of working hours?

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Wrong pronunciation or the wrong pronouns

It can be so awkward when a coworker gets your name wrong or uses the wrong pronouns. And what makes this whole thing harder is if you can’t correct them straight away.

If you can, correct them as soon as they make a mistake so they won’t make it a habit. Be casual about it, a quick ‘hey, could you use they/them pronouns when referring to me, please? Thanks!’ and hopefully that solves the issue. 

If the mistake has been marinating for a little while, build up the courage to let them know. Approach them in a neutral tone, and try not to be accusatory. Educate with kindness. Try this: 

• During a conversation, where you just correct them. ‘Ah, it’s pronounced [name]’.
• A private one-on-one. ‘I just wanted to let you know I prefer she/her pronouns! Please can you use them when referring to me’.
• If you feel comfortable, use humour. ‘Ooh! Very close, it’s pronounced [name], but good try!’

Though frustrating at times, it can take a while for people to either change or get out of a habit. 

Be patient, but firm. Stay consistent in correcting them and even thank them when they correct themselves. If the issue persists, you can seek support or set stronger boundaries.

Always remember that educating everyone isn’t your job. People should respect that and not burden you with constantly reminding them to do so. 

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Given responsibility that isn’t yours

Responsibility can be GREAT. It can boost your opportunities and visibility at work Plus it’ll have your CV sparkling. But sometimes, these extra tasks mean you’re unable to complete your own. Let’s explore different examples:

Good responsibility:

• Trying new things
• Working with new people

Bad responsibility:

• Irrelevant tasks
• Other people’s responsibilities

Make sure you know where your new tasks lay. If it is a bad responsibility, communicate your concerns and speak to your support network. They might be able to shed some light on the situation.

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Not able to meet deadlines that are set for you

There are so many reasons why deadlines might escape you. If you can find the reason as to why you might be struggling with meeting your deadlines, you’re already halfway there. Let’s look at some options: 

• Given too much work. Speak to your manager. Tell them that you aren’t able to complete your tasks on time and would appreciate some guidance on what should be prioritised. 
• Not sure how to complete tasks. Again speak to your managers or coworkers. This is especially important if you’re in your first job, you won’t be expected to know everything so ask for help.
• Getting distracted. If you’re busy having convos with colleagues, think about setting aside time to go to a quieter part of the office to complete your tasks or tell your coworkers that you have work to do. If it’s outside distractions, try to put it away, whether it’s your phone or even a pet! Remember you’re still working even if it’s from home.

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Should I email my coworkers outside of work hours?

The real question is why are you working outside of work hours? 

If it’s a one-off deadline that needs to be met ASAP, then fair, do ya thing. However, if this is a repeated occurrence, it is probably time to stop. 

Everyone deserves to have me-time, even if you’re swamped with loads of work.  Why not think of the following: 

Is it an emergency?

Don’t confuse urgency with convenience. If it’s more convenient for you, write the emails and schedule them to send the next working day instead, or leave them in your drafts until a more appropriate time. 

Say it’s an emergency, ask yourself, does this need to be sorted before the next working day, or can it be a prioritised first task for the AM?

If it has to be sorted now, email, though you might not necessarily get a response.

What counts as an emergency?

This will of course depend on the company but some examples of emergencies are:

• Data breaches. Unauthorised access to sensitive company or customer information. 
• Health Emergencies. Medical crises or injuries in the workplace. 
• PR Crisis. Media backlash that threatens the company’s public image.

What’s the company culture?

Is it a norm to be sending emails outside of work hours? Are people expected to respond? If you’re expected to respond, that isn’t the most ideal situation. It’s honestly a red flag and something you should be aware of.

Even if it’s a very busy period, you shouldn’t have to neglect your private life and me time. 

Speak to your coworkers and manager about the situation and how you feel. You have every right to fulfil your work obligations but only during working hours. 

Not sure this workplace environment is right for you? Know how to spot the green flags in a company.

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Navigating new experiences can be a lot. So don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t always respond to them in the best way, right now.

There are ways to improve. Remember you’re human and it’s okay to struggle and make mistakes. As long as you learn from them.

You’ve got this!

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