Making sense out of a disorderly work environment

A well established and structured organisation or employer appeals to majority of job-seekers.

 It is easy to set career goals and easily achieve the set goals in stable and predictable organisations.

One does not have to scratch their heads in search of ways and means to make sense out of their jobs. This makes the work life predictable, habitual and comfortable. Established organisations also provide the much sorted job security - assuring the job holder guaranteed income.

Some work environment are, however, not very well packaged, but due to the scarcity of jobs, options are limited. A lot of emerging businesses offer good avenues for career growth but not for the faint hearted.

Some of the job environment are simply chaotic. They are capable of turning even the best employee into a loser. Some individuals’ careers have been ruined by disorderly job environments. How can you identify a disorderly job environment?

First, the employer does not issue a written job offer and contract of employment. Job descriptions are alien and one has the tasks allocated unpredictably by the boss.

Disorganised work environment may not have clear working hours, leaving an individual unsure on how to plan their day and have some personal time. This is made worse when everything assigned is labeled as ‘urgent’. It leaves the employee breathless and on the run constantly.

This can be detrimental to the physical and mental health. Cases of nervous breakdowns can be attributed to this kind of poor working culture. Colleagues can also make your work life a living hell.

Conflict management

This is more so in organisations where there is no clear reporting lines, conflict management policies and grievance handling procedures.

While some colleagues may fail to share limited resources, others may simply refuse to participate in teamwork, resulting in failed projects. This puts fellow team members at risk.

It is, however, good to know that you can create a rewarding career in disorderly and chaotic work environment. You must accept that such jobs exist and you have just landed yourself one. Have an attitude of gratitude and focus on the positive. Reframing your mind will come in handy at this time.  Don’t just walk away from a difficult job. You could just be the catalyst genius the organisation has been waiting for. Stick and create your ideal environment to blossom in.

After all you have the capacity to turn lemons into lemonade. Have initiative and self-drive. Initiate discussions with the boss with a view to bringing in some change rather than take a low profile and complain.

For instance, create a job description and give the boss for approval instead of idling around and complaining that you are not sure what is expected of you.

Get yourself a mentor or coach for consultation and support. Don’t just complain around, develop the habit of continuous improvement no matter the circumstances.

Remember that the majority of the top notch organisations today started off worse than your disorganised work place. Be sure not to get lost in the muck, but strive to make a positive difference during your tenure.