How to tackle TOUGH WORK CONVERSATIONS

Whether you're asking for a pay rise or reporting a bully, here's how to broach tricky topics at work

- Amber Bramble

From asking for more money to requesting more flexibility, there are a number of awkward topics no one enjoys talking about with their manager. But at a time when many of our lives have undergone change and turbulence, these conversations can also be difficult to avoid.

Dr Mark Cross, mental health expert and author of Changing Minds and Anxiety, says it's important not to jump into these situations headfirst. "These difficult or crucial conversations can be fuelled by high stakes, differing opinions and strong emotions," he says. "If they're handled poorly or ignored, the outcome can lead to strained relationships or broader mental health issues in the workplace."