HOW TO SPEAK UP FOR YOURSELF

Stand up for your rights without (and this bit’s crucial) getting fired

Sorry is supposed to be the hardest word (if Elton John is to be believed… and he almost always is). But step inside any workplace across the UK and you’ll find it tripping off our tongues in the boardroom, post room, stationery cupboard and kitchenette. So much so that it won’t surprise you to know that women apologise more frequently than men, and are far more likely to keep quiet when something really does need saying.* To ensure that what you think of as basic human decency isn’t mistaken for weakness, try our no-frills guide to not taking any crap at work.

The situation YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE STAYING LATE

A little overtime is often unavoidable – but if you constantly find yourself working after hours on your own once the rest of the team’s gone home, you need to ask why.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT:

First, look at what you have on and how you manage your time. Are you being productive during the day? Or do you flit between tasks and struggle to focus? Make sure that the reason you’re working late is because your colleagues aren’t doing as much as they should be – then think about what you could hand over and arrange a group meeting. “Say something like, ‘I understand we need to achieve X, but I’m not able to give my best because I’m doing so much. I’d appreciate it if we could share the workload,’” says business coach Julie Alexander. If your colleagues say they also feel overworked, then ask HR or your line manager if you might be able to expand your team.

Build a strong case that includes a breakdown of how much everyone is already doing and highlight the potential consequences of not hiring a new member. Explain how an extra person will boost the whole team’s performance.

The situation THEY’RE TAKING CREDIT FOR YOUR WORK

An overexcited newcomer has decided that your to-do list appeals more than theirs. Now you’re clashing over the same tasks. Worse, they’re taking all the praise.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT:

Ask yourself if it’s intentional. They may be under pressure or just want to help. Once you’ve looked at the bigger picture, arrange to speak to them away from their desk .“You could say something like, ‘I don’t think we’re getting the best results by both doing the same tasks,’” suggests Alexander. Remind them which tasks you’ve been assigned and put forward others they could (read: should) be doing instead.

The situation IT’S YOUR PERFORMANCE REVIEW…

You’re sitting opposite your manager in a meeting room and are feeling well-prepared and confident. You’ve worked really hard and hope that they’ve noticed all your efforts. Then your manager glosses over your achievements and points out the areas where they think you’re lagging behind. Surely they’ve got it wrong?

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT:

Don’t clam up straight away. “First, tell yourself that this person cares enough about you to give you feedback. Then ask them for reasons,” says Alexander. If your boss says they don’t think that you are working hard enough, ask for examples and elaboration. If you don’t agree, say something like, “I understand that but, from my perspective, the situation looks like this… There seems to be a gap between us – how can we close it?” By making it an “us” conversation, rather than “me versus you”, you’re likely to get further.

The situation YOU’VE BEEN U N FA I R LY BLAMED

After working really conscientiously on a team project, you’re excited to share your contribution with your manager. That is until a colleague, who put in much less time and effort, blames their blunder on you.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT:

“Try to see where the colleague is coming from – then ask them about it directly,” suggests Alexander. They might have done it because

they’re worried about their own job. Make sure you document the facts, just in case you want to take it further. Whether you decide to might depend on the person. Do they do this sort of thing a lot? Was it a one-off mistake? Ask a colleague you trust (perhaps on another team) for a second opinion – they’ll be more detached about the situation. Ask them whether they think you are overreacting or should report it to somebody. They may well be your moral support if you take it to HR or your line manager at a later date.

The situation YOU FEEL UNDERPAID

You suspect that similar positions in similar companies would pay more. And your resentment is growing…

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT:

Find out the salaries for equivalent roles by browsing websites such as Glassdoor and Indeed. You could also get hints from a colleague (after earning their trust) – either by talking about it directly or by showing them a comparable job description and asking them to estimate what they think it would pay. Once you have some evidence, speak to your manager. “Have a direct conversation with them, saying that you’re aware of a difference in your pay and that you’d like to understand why that might be the case,” says Alexander. “If you’re unconvinced, question their reasons. Then ask HR for a confidential conversation. They can approach your manager on behalf of the company, rather than you, to look at the calculations behind what you earn.”

The situation YOU REALLY NEED A BREAK

When you’re trapped in an endless cycle of hustle, grind and long hours, it can be hard to recognise the signs of burnout. Feeling physically and emotionally drained, and suffering from insomnia and poor concentration can all be red flags.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT:

“Go to your manager and explain that you feel you can best serve the team if you take a break,” says Alexander. “Point out all the targets you’ve hit so far and reassure them that you’ll return to work with more energy and perform even better.” Approach your boss knowing exactly what you’re asking for, whether it’s unpaid leave or holiday. Most places don’t require employees to produce a sick note for one day off, but if you’d like longer to recuperate, read through your contract to find out your rights. Come prepared with the dates you’d like to take off and suggestions for people who have agreed to cover your workload. “This will put you on the front foot,” says Alexander. “If your boss says, ‘We’re too busy,’ ask yourself whether you’re happy working in that sort of culture. Your health affects all aspects of your life. You can love your job, but your job will never love you back.” Consider whether it’s time for a change. ◆