Workplace performance problems

Overview
Job performance is typically based on various factors, including employer expectations; results, such as quality, quantity and timeliness; attendance and promptness; and work style, including relationships with coworkers and control of emotions. Workplace performance problems are typically related to a decline in work performance or an inability to meet job expectations, as perceived by either the employee or employer.
External control measures, such as formal policies for attendance and time, can typically enhance employee performance. Internal self-management, such as seeking additional help when needed to complete a project on time, can have the same effect. Through self-management, you can control certain aspects of your decision making and behavior. Generally, self-management is a set of behavioral and cognitive strategies that help you structure your own environment, become self-motivated, and choose behaviors that lead to good job performance. Not everyone is a good self-manager, however. Some employees may need help enhancing their self-management skills.


Personality factors
Researchers have correlated five personality traits with favorable job performance.
Conscientious: People who are conscientious are responsible, dependable and persistent. Theytured, cooperative and trusting. Theyre extroverted are sociable, talkative and typically assertive.
Open attitude: People who are open tend to be imaginative, artistically sensitive and intellectual.
Perhaps surprisingly, researchers have found these personality traits (particularly conscientiousness) to be better predictors of favorable job performance than measures of job-specific skills or general intelligence.


Characteristics
Workplace performance problems may lead to physical issues, such as fatigue, queasiness the night before work (particularly if you've been off for a weekend or vacation) or sleep changes. Psychologically, you may feel anxious, inadequate, unappreciated, irritable, nervous or frustrated. You may also feel panicked or have fantasies about revenge. Socially, you may become passive-aggressive or engage in counterproductive behaviors. You may also lack assertiveness, withdraw from others, and experience increased conflict with coworkers, your supervisor or others outside of work.
Sometimes, workplace performance problems can be more than you're able to handle at the time. Symptoms such as sleep disturbances, decreased energy, changes in appetite, anxiety, depression, inability to concentrate and hopelessness may warrant further evaluation by a health care professional.

As with all physical symptoms, consult your medical doctor to rule out a medical condition. If these or any other symptoms cause you distress that doesn't seem to improve, seek additional help and support from a mental health care professional.


Coping strategies
Focusing on interpersonal skills such as communication and conflict resolution can often help you resolve or better cope with the performance issue at hand. Talking with a trusted mentor or superior may help with developing and implementing possible solutions to the problem. In some cases, personal life coaching may be helpful. You might also consider stress-management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, medication, or relaxation to reduce and alleviate stress around workplace performance issues.
Consider your perception of your job expectations, as well as what your employer expects. Discuss performance issues with your supervisor to help understand the expectations. Also explore options for making changes and improvements. You may find you need more effective training to complete your work duties. Or, you may want to explore other training topics in order to expand your skills.