ASK HR: The organisation I work for lacks well-defined structures

I recently joined a new organisation, but already, I feel I do not align with how they do their daily activities. This organisation lacks well-defined structures and policies, yet I thrive well in order. PHOTO | FILE| NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Your happiness at work is important, since it contributes to your productivity, which is key to your career growth.

  • If all efforts do not change your work environment, it is wise to look for another job, being careful to know more about your potential employer to avoid a similar situation.

Q. First, I would like to appreciate the advice you give, and also applaud the decision to introduce this column in your new magazine.

I recently joined a new organisation, but already, I feel I do not align with how they do their daily activities. This organisation lacks well-defined structures and policies, yet I thrive well in order.

How does one go about this in the best way possible? Do I start job hunting again, and if so, will the next interviewer think I change jobs too often?

 

Thank you for reading this column. We are glad you are finding it useful. From your question, it seems you are working for a dysfunctional organisation. You have not said how big your organisation is, but the bigger an organisation is, the more difficult it is to optimise its effectiveness without proper structures and policies. Dysfunctional organisations often lack a common purpose, individual connectedness, clear strategy and structures, which arises from poor leadership.

You have some options you could consider to make your work environment better. You could raise this up with your line manager, inform them how this disruptive environment is affecting your performance and suggest how this may be improved, for

instance, by laying out policies, decision-making structures and improving communication. If your line manager is part of the chaos, you could raise this up with a senior manager whose department may be most organised, or better still, raise it up with your

CEO, especially if the issues only affect your department. If you have a union or organised employee representation, you could raise this through your leaders. It is the responsibility of your employer to provide an enabling environment.

Your happiness at work is important, since it contributes to your productivity, which is key to your career growth. If all efforts do not change your work environment, it is wise to look for another job, being careful to know more about your potential employer to avoid a similar situation.

It is true that employers may think you are changing jobs to soon, but being genuine in your reasons for seeking a change may work in your favour, especially with an employer whose functions are well organized - they are likely to see you as an asset. Seek an environment that will bring out the best in you. Most of our happiness comes from our choices, not our circumstances.