Sara-Jayne Makwala King15 May 2024 | 14:12

Help, I hate my job!

According to a 2022 survey, 85% of people hate their jobs - are you one of them?

Help, I hate my job!

unhappy sad

Aubrey Masango is joined by Dingaan Moropane, Head of Academics at IIE Rosebank College.

Listen to the full interview below

So, you hate your job.

Well, the good news is you're not alone.

According to a 2022 survey by management consulting firm Gallup, 85% of people feel the same way.

The bad news is that even though hating your job is a pretty common human experience, that doesn’t make it less difficult to handle.

Moropane explains some of the more common reasons why people are unhappy at work.

"Some of the studies are revealing workload issues, the nature of tasks, lack of support."
Dingaan Moropane, Head of Academics - IIE Rosebank College

Another common issue, says Moropane, is a toxic work environment and feeling poorly treated by superiors.

"That can include things like micro-managing, lack of recognition, poor task communication and unreasonable demands."
Dingaan Moropane, Head of Academics - IIE Rosebank College

So, aside from quitting - which isn't an option for many people - what practical steps can you take to navigate dissatisfaction at work?

Moropane says, where possible, employees should seek to work with their line managers.

"I believe in internal communication first, finding ways in which you request support."
Dingaan Moropane, Head of Academics - IIE Rosebank College
"Also, coming up with coping strategies, of how you're going to cope with high-stress work environments."
Dingaan Moropane, Head of Academics - IIE Rosebank College

But what if you take these actions but nothing changes?

Moropane suggests adding to your skill set or even seeking professional workplace counselling.