In a perfect world, you would be the boss and work from home, especially if you are a Mom.

As it is, the traditional office as a workplace is a staple of corporate America. Millions of men and women go to work each day and have to deal with this environment. Sadly, it isn’t always a good one. From office politics to fighting to secure a promotion, to health and safety – there’s are many challenges involved in a typical workplace. Some of the struggles are more prominent than others, and then there are those that we often take for granted, yet remain issues nevertheless that must be dealt with effectively.

Here are four office life challenges that make you go “ugh!”

Illness And Allergies

It’s officially the allergy season, and coughs and sneezes are inevitable. What is also apparent is that you are going to catch something as a result. After all, some colleagues have terrible hygiene, wiping their noses with their hands or sneezing into the open air. Avoiding their bacteria isn’t easy, but it is possible. If such a service isn’t already available in your office, consider suggesting one like Office Cleanz. By disinfecting the entire workstation, the spread of these illness-causing elements should be easier to contain. Other than that, carry around hand sanitizer and minimize contact with people who are visibly illness “culprits.”

Health And Safety

The idea that your well-being may be in danger in your office may come as a shock, but it’s a fact. Injury stats from OSHA confirm this, yet few employees are even aware. Keep your eyes open and try and spot any obvious and subtle dangers. If there is something that makes you uneasy in your workspace, report it to the appropriate individual in your company. Always file a report with HR to ensure there is a written record.

Boredom

There is no doubt about it – office work can be tedious. Certain tasks have to be completed, like it or not and you can bet that many will be monotonous. Someone has to do it, and there’s a possibility that this someone might just be you. Usually, there is no point in complaining because it makes you seem as if you aren’t a team player. However, if you can identify a way to improve a process that will minimize boredom or repetition and increase productivity, don’t hesitate to bring the idea to the attention of a manager. No need being a glutton for punishment if there is a better way to accomplish a task. You want to minimize your stress and fatigue so that you are at your very best when you get home to your family.

The Politics

Office politics can be career-ending, therefore don’t fall into the trap. As much as this next piece of advice is simple, it’s sometimes difficult to implement. Humans want to share, and colleagues are often the closest people Monday through Friday. However, when you overshare, you are often providing individuals with information that they will use to their advantage when the opportunity presents itself. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, it might be in your best interest to keep your opinions close to your chest, no matter how tempting it may be to offer them.

Some people learn to master the art of being a good co-worker while others never become comfortable with what it takes to survive these day-to-day issues. Whichever side of the fence you fall on, give it your best shot until something better comes along.

Either you choose the life of an entrepreneur and take control of your own workspace, or you find a way to manage the challenges that will likely change at a moment’s notice.

Does the above relate to your experiences of office life? These are just four office life challenges that make you go “ugh!” Have any more to add to the list?

*Collaborative post