How to Communicate You’re Unhappy at Work

JV Recruitment • May 30, 2023

A recent Workplace Happiness Survey found that 72% of Australians felt unhappy at work at some point in 2022. Some of the most commonly reported reasons were unsatisfactory salary, a lack of job security and uninteresting work.


So how is unhappiness at work best combated? Studies have shown that clear workplace communication between organisations, leaders and employees is key to maintaining high levels of job satisfaction.


Yet despite how common it is to feel unhappy at work, communicating your concerns can be intimidating – you may worry about losing your job, not feeling supported, or being perceived negatively.


If you’re wondering how to tell your boss you’re unhappy, here are our best tips to help you approach the discussion.

Prepare Your Thoughts

Before you think about communicating that you’re unhappy at work to others, it’s important that you know exactly where your concerns lie. What specific aspects of your job are causing you dissatisfaction – do you feel your work is uninteresting or unfulfilling? Perhaps not enough is being done to keep you safe at work. Or maybe you’re just after a pay rise?


Writing down your thoughts can be a great way to organise them and ensure you’re clear on the specific areas of your job that are causing you the most stress. This means you’ll be better equipped to discuss them clearly and concisely with your employer.

Know Your Rights

Knowing your rights and protections going into the discussion is essential, as this not only safeguards you but also instils you with a sense of confidence and security.


In Australia, employees who raise concerns or make complaints about their workplace are protected under the Fair Work Act. According to the Fair Work Ombudsman, if you “are an employee making a complaint or enquiry about their employment (for example, an employee asking their employer about their pay rate)”, you are protected from adverse action such as being fired or treated differently to other employees.

Find the Right Time and Place

Timing and location are essential when discussing sensitive issues with your boss. Picking a time when they are not under the pump or overwhelmed will give them the best chance to focus on your concerns and act on them (if necessary).


A private, quiet space where you can have an uninterrupted conversation is also ideal – but this isn’t always possible!

Maintain A Level Head

Once you’ve clarified your concerns and found the right time and place to communicate them with your boss, it’s important to remain calm and not allow your emotions to get in the way.


If you’re feeling nervous, take some time to breathe, remind yourself of what you’re going to say and remember your workplace rights. This will help you approach the discussion with a level head.

Clearly & Honestly Voice Your Concerns

When you speak to your boss, be honest (to a point) and try not to beat around the bush. Communicating why you’re unhappy in a concise and constructive way will give your boss the best chance to address your concerns.


For example, if you are unhappy with your opportunities for learning at work, try to frame it positively: “I would really like to learn more about ______ (or go into ______), but I haven’t found the opportunity to in my current role. Can we discuss some ways I might be able to do this?"

For a more specific concern that may apply to you and the whole team, it’s important to also be clear. An example of this could be a concern that proper lifting techniques are not being used on the worksite, leading to body stress and strain. Clearly stating: “I’ve noticed an increase in body stress and strain on the worksite and I think it might partly be because proper lifting techniques aren’t being used. Is there any way we could reiterate the importance of proper lifting or other strategies we could employ to reduce the number of injuries on site?”

Focus on Solutions

It's important to focus on finding solutions to your concerns. Rather than just listing your problems, come up with some ideas on how your boss might be able to address them. Carrying on from the example of feeling like you’re not learning what you’d like to, you might go on to suggest a course, an increase in responsibilities or some kind of internal training program.


Speaking about ways that addressing your concerns might benefit the team and organisation (where relevant) is also a useful strategy to help your boss think about how everyone is affected, rather than seeing it as an issue that only faces you. For example, you could link a proposed solution – such as an internal training program – to the way it would increase your skills and knowledge to be even better at your job!

Be Open To Feedback

When you express your concerns, your boss may give you some feedback or suggestions. Make sure not to be combative and genuinely consider their perspective.


This could help you better understand the situation and lead to finding a solution you may not have anticipated!

Next Steps

If you’ve followed these steps and are seeing improvements at work, great! Be sure to keep up this open line of communication in order to maintain your workplace satisfaction.


However, if you’ve done everything you can to improve your situation at work and are still unhappy, it may be time to consider finding a new job. Whilst this can be a daunting task on your own, consider reaching out to a recruiter who can help you with the job search.


As recruitment specialists across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, we can connect you to a variety of open full-time, casual and temporary positions across the construction, civil & infrastructure, traffic, manufacturing and energy & renewables industries.


Please get in touch to discuss your next steps – we’d love to help you find the right role that will leave you feeling happy at work!

How to Advance Your Career in the Construction Industry

15 Apr, 2024
Are you a construction professional looking to take your career to new heights? Discover valuable advice and insights on career progression, upskilling, and networking that will help you build a thriving career in the construction industry. The construction industry offers a wide range of exciting career opportunities for professionals looking to make their mark. Whether you're just starting or seeking to advance your career, there are several key strategies you can employ to reach your goals. Develop Your Skills Investing in your professional development is crucial for career advancement in the construction industry. Identify areas where you can improve your technical skills or acquire new ones that are in high demand. Consider pursuing certifications, attending workshops, or enrolling in courses that will enhance your expertise and make you a more valuable asset to your team. Build Your Network Networking is a powerful tool for career advancement in any industry, and construction is no exception. Attend industry events , join professional organisations, and connect with colleagues and specialist construction recruitment professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships with other professionals can lead to valuable opportunities, such as job openings , partnerships, or mentorship. Seek Out Mentorship Finding a mentor who has already achieved the level of success you aspire to can be incredibly beneficial for your career growth. A mentor can provide guidance, advice, and support as you navigate your career path. Look for experienced professionals within your organisation or industry who are willing to share their knowledge and insights. Take On New Challenges Demonstrating your ability to take on new challenges and responsibilities is key to advancing your career. Volunteer for projects that stretch your skills and offer to lead teams or propose innovative solutions to problems. By showing initiative and a willingness to learn, you'll position yourself as a valuable contributor to your organisation. Communicate Your Goals Make your career aspirations known to your supervisors and colleagues. Engage in regular c areer discussions with your manager and express your interest in taking on additional responsibilities or moving into leadership roles. By communicating your goals clearly, you'll be more likely to receive support and opportunities for growth. Stay Up to Date with Industry Trends The construction industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, techniques, and regulations emerging all the time. To stay competitive and advance your career, it's essential to stay informed about the latest industry trends. Read industry publications, attend conferences , and participate in online forums to keep up-to-date and demonstrate your expertise.  At JV Recruitment, we are committed to supporting construction professionals in achieving their career goals. Our team of experienced recruiters can provide valuable insights, job opportunities , and guidance to help you take your career to the next level. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your career growth in the construction industry.

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The construction industry is a dynamic and challenging field that requires a diverse set of skills to succeed. While technical proficiency is undoubtedly necessary, the role of soft skills is often overlooked. In this blog post, we'll explore the crucial importance of soft skills in the construction industry and how they contribute to the success of construction professionals. Communication At JV Recruitment, we know communication is the foundation for any successful construction project. The roles we place emphasise: Active listening skills to understand the needs of site foremen, architects, and engineers and accurately translate that to tradespeople. Clearly conveying complex technical instructions, blueprints and project specs in ways that are easily understood, regardless of language barrier. Adaptability to communicate effectively across different audiences - from office managers focused on schedules and costs to hands-on construction crews in the field. Problem-Solving Construction is a field where unexpected issues are the norm, not the exception. Skilled problem-solvers are a must for the roles JV Recruitment fills. We seek candidates who can: 1. Quickly identify the root cause behind delays, code violations, material shortages or structural defects and implement a solution. 2. Think creatively to find workarounds like alternative materials, rerouting schedules or adjusting designs when roadblocks occur. 3. Make calculated decisions balancing quality, timelines and budgets to keep projects progressing despite changes and setbacks. Teamwork No construction job can be accomplished alone - our placements require collaboration across all levels of the project team. Top candidates demonstrate: 1. The ability to work cooperatively alongside project managers, engineers, inspectors, tradespeople and labourers towards shared milestones. 2. Resolving conflicts constructively through negotiation tactics, such as mediation of change orders or artistry disputes. 3. Flexibility to take on tasks outside their primary role, pivot from original plans and integrate seamlessly with new crew rotations. The Role of JV Recruitment At JV Recruitment, we understand the importance of soft skills in the construction industry. Our experienced team of recruiters is dedicated to helping construction professionals identify and cultivate the soft skills that will set them apart in their careers. Whether you're a seasoned construction professional looking to enhance your soft skills or a company seeking top talent with a potent combination of technical expertise and interpersonal abilities, JV Recruitment is here to support you. Browse our job openings or contact us to discuss your recruitment needs today.

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The construction industry is known for demanding work schedules, long hours, and frequent job site travel. While these challenges are often inherent to the nature of the work, they can take a toll on the personal lives of construction professionals, leading to stress, burnout, and even decreased productivity if not managed. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of work-life balance in the construction field and provide practical strategies for managing the unique challenges faced by industry professionals. The Importance of Work-Life Balance working in the Construction sector Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for personal well-being and professional success. When individuals have the time and energy to nurture their relationships, pursue hobbies, and care for their physical and mental health, they are likelier to be happy, engaged, and productive in their work. 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Strategies for Achieving Work-Life Balance Despite these challenges, there are several strategies construction professionals can employ to improve their work-life balance: Set Boundaries Communicate your commitments and priorities to your employer and colleagues. Be proactive in setting boundaries around your work hours and availability, and carve out time for family, friends, and personal interests. Prioritise Self-Care Make time for activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, and socialising with loved ones. Taking care of yourself will help you maintain the energy and focus needed to excel in your work. Leverage Technology Utilise project management tools, video conferencing, and other technologies to streamline communication and minimise unnecessary travel. This can help you work more efficiently and create more time for personal pursuits. 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Achieving work-life balance in the construction industry is an ongoing process that requires effort and commitment from both individuals and employers. By implementing strategies such as setting boundaries, prioritising self-care, leveraging technology, negotiating flexible arrangements, and fostering a supportive workplace culture, construction professionals can successfully manage their industry's unique challenges and lead more fulfilling lives both on and off the job site. At JV Recruitment, we understand the importance of work-life balance in the construction industry. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping professionals find opportunities that align with their skills, goals, and personal commitments. If you're seeking a new role that supports a healthy work-life balance, we're here to help. Contact us today
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