TC’s Journey to a Brighter Future: Navigating Workplace Challenges and Securing a New Career

TC, a dedicated professional in hotel sales and marketing, endured a deeply challenging period by persistent work-related stress and multiple instances of sick leave. Feeling unsupported and unheard, she experienced what she perceived as unfair treatment, including penalisation for absences and unnecessary critical emails. TC also reported instances of discrimination and indirect racism, adding to her distress. Self-consciousness during meetings and frequent blame for minor issues further declined her confidence.

The situation escalated due to workload disparities and tasks beyond her job description, giving TC a sense of being unfairly targeted. Accusations of lateness, despite explanations regarding transport delays and mental health, added to her burden. This progressed in the threat of disciplinary action during her holiday, significantly impacting her well-being. Upon our initial meeting, it was evident to the that TC’s work environment was detrimental to her mental health, and it was clear she needed immediate support and intervention.

Recognising the profound impact on TC’s mental and emotional health, a collaborative support system was crucial. Her talking therapist, Timothy Spencer-Braithwaite, addressed her stress, anxiety, and low mood. Simultaneously, I provided practical guidance in navigating her employment situation and exploring new career paths. This integrated approach was vital in offering holistic support, addressing both her immediate well-being and long-term career aspirations. TC frequently expressed gratitude for both forms of support, acknowledging their combined effectiveness.

The Employment Advisor worked closely with TC through several sessions, providing tailored support at each stage. Initially, the focus was on fully understanding the challenges and exploring potential solutions within her current employment, alongside investigating alternative opportunities.

As TC’s sick leave continued, the EA guided her through her occupational health assessment, ensuring she was prepared to articulate the impact of her work situation on her health and to consider reasonable adjustments for her potential return. At this point TC was unsure if she wanted to return to her role.
Following the assessment, the EA supported TC in creating a reasonable adjustments request based on the provided recommendations.

Concurrently, with my support, TC began exploring roles in the tech industry, a sector that aligned with her long-term career goals. The EA provided crucial assistance in her job search, advising on seeking interview feedback for continuous improvement. Recognising her interest in tech sales, the EA offered information on relevant upskilling opportunities, including CPD courses and accreditations, and encouraged her to highlight her relevant skills and studies on her CV.

A key aspect of the EA’s support was empowering TC to take proactive steps for herself. This involved a comprehensive CV review, tailoring it to emphasize transferable skills and quantifiable achievements for maximum impact. The EA also assisted in drafting a reasonable adjustments letter for her current employer, ensuring alignment with her contract and business capabilities. The EA also accompanied TC to her reasonable adjustments meeting, advocating for her needs and ensuring her voice was heard. This included discussing Occupational Health recommendations and exploring flexible working arrangements. Despite some resistance, the EA ensured her concerns regarding unfair treatment and the disciplinary process were raised and documented. The EA also provided therapeutic support to help TC process the challenging meeting and extract valuable learnings.

Despite the ongoing difficulties in her previous role, TC remained focused on securing new employment. The EA provided targeted interview preparation, including the well-known STAR method, and tailored her experience to specific job requirements.

When TC secured an interview for a Sales Manager position in Kensington, the EA offered intensive, personalised support, focusing on the role’s specific demands and the hotel’s general profile.

Following a successful interview, TC received a job offer. The EA provided reassurance and guidance on navigating the reference process, addressing TC’s concerns related to her current employment. TC was delighted with the opportunity, particularly noting the welcoming nature of her new team and structure.

Ultimately, TC’s resilience, combined with the consistent and multifaceted support from her talking therapist and the Employment Advisor, resulted in a positive outcome. She successfully navigated significant workplace challenges, secured a promising new role as Sales Manager in Kensington, and anticipates a fresh start in a more supportive environment.