How to Speak Up for Better Work Methods

"This is just how we do things here."

You've lost track of how many times you've been told this.

Every day, you find yourself following the same rigid procedures you've always been told to use. Whenever you see a different way to make a process more efficient, your suggestions are casually dismissed.

You know things could be improved, but you feel stuck following the same stale, outdated methods. Ugh.

Do you feel like you have no say over the way you get the job done?

This sense of being locked into inefficient or outdated work methods isn't just annoying – it's a significant workplace issue related to job control.

Having input into how you complete your tasks is essential for both workplace efficiency and your sense of professional autonomy.

Understanding Job Control

Being able to influence how you complete your work is a crucial aspect of job control. It's about having the flexibility to adjust your work methods based on your experience and expertise, while still meeting quality standards and objectives.

Here's the thing. When you have control over your work, you become more than just someone following a script – you're an active contributor to workplace improvement and innovation.

On the flip side, when you're unable to influence how you work, it can impact both you and your organisation's success.

Why It Matters

Here's why having no say in your work methods needs attention:

• It prevents valuable process improvements that could save time and resources
• It diminishes your sense of professional expertise and workplace value
• It can lead to decreased engagement and job satisfaction when you're forced to use methods you know could be better

But there's good news. You don't have to remain silent about better ways of working – there are some practical steps you can take to have your voice heard.

1. Document Benefits

Track specific examples of how your suggested methods could improve efficiency, reduce costs, or enhance quality. Use concrete numbers and observations.

2. Build Support

Share your ideas with colleagues to refine them and gather feedback. Having others who see the value in your suggestions can help strengthen your case.

3. Present Solutions

Schedule a meeting with your supervisor to present your documented improvements, focusing on how they align with team and organisational goals.

Finding Your Voice

Having input into your work methods isn't about criticising current practices – it's about contributing your expertise to make things better for everyone. While change probably won't happen overnight, you can take steps to ensure your ideas are heard and considered.

Pro tip: by using MOOD.ai to track how you feel about your work methods each day, you can identify patterns and choose the right moments to speak up about improvements.

Your practical experience and insights are valuable resources for your workplace.

It's all about finding constructive ways to share them, and bringing about better outcomes for everyone.