It's not uncommon for individuals to encounter problems at work. It's how they manage to deal with them, moving forwards into a brighter future, that counts. As a family member of such a person, there is much you can do to help them progress to a point of fulfilled resolution. Whether your loved one is struggling psychologically, or with the workload that they're expected to complete, this guide walks you through the four main ways in which you can be a supportive individual to those in need at their job.
Emotional Support
First and foremost, as a loved one, you're most useful in offering the kind of tailored and personal emotional support that your family member might otherwise find difficult to locate in the workplace or amongst friends. You should listen to their problems, and offer empathy and sympathy. Sometimes, that's all that's needed to make a problem feel less overwhelming. If it's appropriate, you'll be able to offer your own perspective on the situation, which might serve to alleviate some of the worry. Finally, again as appropriate, you can offer ideas as to how to resolve the issue. Whether that be through an honest meeting with a manager or a career change, your advice should be considered and heartfelt.
Legal Action
In many cases, though, emotional support and nudging advice simply isn't enough. In cases of workplace discrimination, bullying, harassment or injury, you should help point your loved one in the direction of the law. Spencers Solicitors, for instance, are specialists in dealing with workplace issues. They take the burden off the mistreated individual and can fight on their behalf for compensation. If your loved one is describing a situation at work that seems to violate their basic rights, they have a case to take to solicitors.
Pressure Lifting
In today's hectic and busy world, many workplace issues are simply related to stress. People have begun to accept longer working hours with more stress, less sleep and less social time as a result. Burning the candle at both ends, sometimes it's simply the volume of work that can get someone down. As a loved one, you're a safe space for your family member. You're trusted as you are valued. Create the space and time for quality down-time with your family member in order to help them rise out of their stress, depressurizing as a result.
Drastic Action
Unfortunately, sometimes it's the case that someone is simply being exploited by their employer. In such cases, the situation can be as clear as day, or very difficult to discern. There are a few signs that this exploitation is occurring:
- Your loved one is forced to work extra hours regularly for no pay increase.
- Their employer seems to take a yard when given an inch, not caring about their employee.
- Your loved one is being treated with insincerity and a lack of respect routinely.
- Their employer withholds benefits, delays pay, and fails to grant the holiday that your loved one requests.
In all such cases, it might be time to call it a day and tell your family member to quit their job. Their dignity and self-respect is more valuable than their income, and they'll soon find another job to support them.
