Personnel Problems

Guide to Personnel Problems

Personnel problems: how to handle them
By Colleen Loew

Personnel issues are often a routine part of daily activities in the workplace, according to many employers. It is likely that almost all employers will identify employee problems at one point or another. Therefore, employers must prepare to manage workplace personnel issues tactfully and effectively, regardless of the circumstances.

A personnel problem may interrupt productivity and effective relationships in the workplace. Managers must diplomatically manage most workplace personnel issues. Often, the human resources department must intervene. In some cases, a personnel problems consultant, who evaluates the problems and develops feasible solutions for implementation company personnel problems, comes to a business' aid.

1. A personnel problem is often frequent and widespread throughout an organization.

2. Employee problems often reflect personality differences among employees and managers.

3. Some worker problems are a direct reflection of the organization's management structure and style.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Manage difficult employees with strategic intervention and guidance Managing personnel issues often requires a flair for the dramatic and an understanding of what makes employees tick. Some organizations may discover that an outside intervention is most beneficial in managing personnel problems as effectively as possible.

I recommend:  Review the Employee Termination Guidebook to identify employee problems and prospective solutions. Thompson HR Q&A answers hundreds of human resource-related questions, including personnel issues, which support organizational problem-solving objectives.

Know what personnel problems you are up against before you explore possible solutions Explore the possible issues related to personnel that your organization faces on a regular basis, including time management, attendance, misconduct, and other related problems. Evaluate how to best manage these problems through viable and realistic solutions.

I recommend:  AFMS offers a list of common workplace problems and options for managers to support these issues. Evaluate Jan Miller & Associates as an option for program training related to personnel problems that interrupt workplace productivity and advancement.

Learn how to effectively manage difficult employees Sometimes a personnel problem is really just a personal problem of a particular employee.

I recommend:  Handling Difficult People is a great resource for managers trying to deal with difficult employees. Psychology for Business has several articles for dealing with problem employees.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• When personnel problems are identified in the workplace, take a proactive approach to developing an effective solution. This may take on different forms, but direct accusations and disciplinary action may only prove to alienate problematic employees. Approach the situation with an open-minded point of view and explore the different options that are available through external consultants, onsite human resource personnel and software packages.