Problem Solving in the Workplace is designed to help learners develop the essential skills needed to recognise, understand, and resolve problems in a structured and confident way. In every workplace, challenges can appear suddenly or build over time. These challenges can affect productivity, teamwork, safety, and overall workplace performance. This course provides learners with practical tools to understand problems clearly, identify root causes, evaluate solutions, and make informed decisions that lead to positive outcomes. It supports the development of calm thinking and organised approaches so that learners feel more prepared whenever an unexpected situation arises.

The course is based on the five step model of problem solving. These steps include understanding the problem, gathering information, comparing options, making a thoughtful decision, and reflecting on results. By strengthening these skills, learners increase their confidence, independence, and ability to adapt to change. The course also explores short term and long term problems, the role of reliable information, the importance of critical thinking, and how reflection helps learners understand what works and what can be improved. Problem solving is a key skill in almost every job, and improving it can make learners more successful, more capable, and more resilient in the workplace.

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

1. Explain what problem solving is and why it matters in workplace environments
Learners will be able to describe the meaning of problem solving and the role it plays in maintaining productivity, reducing stress, supporting teamwork, and enabling continuous improvement. They will understand that problem solving is a skill used in daily life and work, and that it increases confidence, independence, and decision making ability. They will also identify the benefits of approaching challenges in a structured and calm way rather than reacting emotionally or rushing into unclear solutions.

2. Identify and analyse different types of workplace problems
Learners will be able to distinguish between short term, long term, urgent, and non urgent problems. They will learn to assess what a problem actually is and avoid making assumptions. They will practise identifying root causes, understanding the factors that contribute to a problem, and separating symptoms from underlying issues. This outcome ensures learners can examine problems more accurately before taking action.

3. Gather reliable information to support problem solving
Learners will learn how to generate ideas through brainstorming and recognise the difference between reliable and unreliable information. They will understand how to assess advice, use critical thinking, and consider multiple sources to gain a clearer picture of the problem. This includes recognising bias, selecting credible resources, and asking effective questions to fill knowledge gaps.

4. Compare options and evaluate possible solutions
Learners will be able to develop and compare options using simple tools such as ranking, pros and cons lists, and consequence analysis. They will practise reviewing potential actions based on usefulness, risks, barriers, and expected outcomes. This helps them make more thoughtful decisions and avoid unintended negative consequences.

5. Make informed decisions and reflect on results
Learners will be able to choose suitable solutions after considering all available information. They will understand that an informed decision is based on logic and reflection, not assumptions or pressure. They will also practise self reflection to review outcomes, learn from experiences, and continuously improve their problem solving skills for future challenges.

6. Apply a structured five step problem solving process to real workplace scenarios
Learners will be able to apply the full five step problem solving model. They will learn to break overwhelming problems into manageable steps, use organised thinking, and take practical action. They will build confidence in solving both personal and workplace related challenges using clear, repeatable methods.