How to Manage Unhappy Employees

One unhappy employee is like a bad apple--it can spoil the whole basket. Managing an unhappy employee situation can get volatile, so catching such situations early may be vital to a conflict free resolution. Here are some tips to help manage unhappy employees.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Pay attention to your staff. If there is a problem, the employee grapevine may know about it long before you do. Keep your ear to the ground for disgruntled comments and watch your employees’ attitudes for signs of discontent.

2. Speak with the employee one on one. Ask the employee personally to meet with you in your office near the end of the workday to try and find out what the problem is. Doing it at the end of the day cuts down on gossip and allows your employee to go home and consider the conversation without interference.

3. Ask questions to find out exactly what the problem is. If there is a problem with another employee, try to set up a meeting between the three of you where you can moderate. Give each party notice so they can organize their thoughts. Ask if there is anything that can be done immediately to alleviate the tension.

4. Listen to your employee. If they have a problem with you personally, they may hem and haw around it. Be direct if necessary, and try to see if you can resolve it in such a way that both of you can continue to work together professionally, or suggest a transfer to another department.

5. Keep your temper. Your employee is already upset, and you don’t want matters to escalate. If they start shouting, wait until they are done, and state calmly that you are not there to argue. Ask if they need a day off to cool down.

6. Document everything. All your conversations with the employee should be documented. Write memos to your supervisor informing them of the situation and carbon copy human resources. A paper trail will be necessary in case the employee files a lawsuit.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes outside pressures cause a breakdown at work. If the employee in question is behaving out of character, ask if there is something bothering them that is not work related. Stress from other sources can lead to stress at work, too. You may have them seek counseling. Many companies offer it to their employees.
• We all hear the stories about ‘disgruntled employees.’ These incidents are rare, but they do occur, so take seriously any threats made against you or the company and act accordingly.