A problem shared...

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Dealing with work drama is a total headache for a nimiety of reasons. First off, when people care a lot about their work or ideas, conflicts can quickly turn into emotional rollercoasters, making it tough to keep things cool and collected. Plus, work relationships take a hit, and the vibe in the office can spiral. Productivity? Kiss it goodbye. Projects get delayed, and the whole team suffers. Then there's the stress and uncertainty that comes with conflicts - not knowing how things will play out or worrying about possible fallout is seriously nerve-wracking. And let's not forget the fear factor; people are often scared to speak up about conflicts because they're afraid of retaliation or damaging their reputation at work. ?Different communication styles, a lack of conflict resolution skills, and the overall company culture, and you can be heading toward the perfect storm.

It's like trying to navigate an overgrown maze without a map. Resolution needs collaborative communication, a bit of empathy, and a workplace that's seriously got your back. Sometimes, you might even need a referee to step in and help sort things out. Work shouldn't feel like a war zone, but conflicts can make it seem that way if we don't tackle them head-on.

So, let’s imagine your office is a small cabin, offshore, miles away from your loved ones and you’re tired, oh so very tired. That's a whole different ball game, and stress can be as common as the waves. The isolation – being away from family and friends for weeks on end. Imagine your social life fitting into a suitcase. Then, the job itself is no picnic; crazy weather, demanding schedules, and technical hiccups can turn a regular day into a stress marathon. Safety is a constant buzzword, and it's no joke – one wrong move and things can get serious real quick. Living in close quarters with changing crew adds another layer; you better hope everyone's got their zen mode on because conflicts in that tight space can feel like you're stuck in a submarine with drama torpedoes, until crew change, and then you best hope the next bunch onboard are just as zen, too. It takes a special breed to handle the offshore grind without losing their marbles.

Tackling stress and drama offshore is like trying to navigate the rough seas, but having a go-to person you can trust to spill the tea on any conflicts is basically a workplace survival hack. It's like having a secret ally. Venting to them lets you unload the stress without setting off workplace fireworks. Having a solid manager/point of contact is like having a superhero on your team when it comes to dealing with the drama. ?You know, just shine a light into the sky and they’ll swoop in and keep things from going totally off the rails. Or at least pick up the telephone for a chat. They can offer advice, be a sounding board for your genius ideas or complaints, and maybe even share their own war stories. It's like therapy without the couch and the hefty bill. Just remember to reciprocate the favour – it's a two-way street, and sometimes being the listening ear is just as important as having one. Plus, the stronger a relationship you foster with those who are accountable for supporting you, the better.

So, the point of this article is really to say, go for that coffee with your boss, or someone at work or, if you are offshore, pick up the phone and call your point of contact on dry land- even if you just need to have a good rant, to ask about the football results or what is all this hype about 'Saltburn' anyways?

I know at Hydro Energy Group the account managers are always happy to talk, it’s what makes them fantastic at what they do and it’s part of who they are as people.

On top of that, there are members of the team who are mental health first aid trained and that is something the company are committed to increasing this year and that isn't just focussing on training around what to do in a crisis but how to spot those signs that work stress and conflict may be causing someone real problems.

I know we see it every day on social media posts and we hear it from friends and colleagues, but trust me, talking works. The small stuff, the annoying stuff, the trivial, the person who eats super loud and you cannot bare it stuff, and the big stuff.

A problem shared is a problem halved, or solved.

On that note, it is important to mention that it is completely fine not to vibe with everyone. It is like the unsweetened lemonade of life, the kind that makes you screw your face up almost autonomously. We're all unique individuals with different personalities, and not everyone is going to be your cup of tea. It could be due to differences in communication styles, values, or just personal preferences. The key is to manage those feelings professionally, treat everyone with respect, and focus on collaboration when needed. You don't have to be BFF’s with everyone at work or in life, but maintaining a level of professionalism and understanding is essential to keep things running smoothly. It's all about finding that balance between being true to yourself and navigating the social constraints of this weird old thing we call life and all of those societal pressures we find ourselves exposed to.

?Written by Paris Wilson (PR &Comms).

Samantha Downing and Tara Matthews featured.