Top 10 Challenges Testers Face at Workplace and How to Overcome Them

Facing obstacles is a regular occurrence. It’s the viewpoint you take, viewing them as potential gateways or barriers, that shapes their effect. Over my tenure in the IT sector, I’ve encountered many such “gateways”.

Some obstacles were unique to the roles I undertook, while others were more universal. This post is an account of those obstacles and a way to interact with the community, to identify if others can relate and possibly provide support. It’s crucial to realize that you’re not alone in navigating these obstacles.

Here is my top 10 compilation:

Top 10 Obstacles Testers Face in the Workplace

#1) Organizational culture:

This is the primary point on the list because, being in the IT service industry, I frequently found myself switching between various clients, teams, locales, and corporations. While some teams were a pleasure to work with, others offered less desirable experiences.

• For example, I joined a team that commenced at 6 am, while another enforced working until 6 pm.
• In one firm, contractors had to use a different entry, while another establishment had no swipe card access.
• In one office, all portable devices with memory, Bluetooth, or any other connection had to be left outside, while at another place, comforting music was played throughout the day.
• Some corporations adhered to a rigid hierarchical structure, with their CEOs reaching celebrity status, while others favored a flat structure devoid of cubicles.

In due course, I acknowledged that there’s no universally correct or incorrect approach; it merely changes based on the specific company’s culture. Given adequate time, we can always assimilate to our environment. However, if, after a fair attempt, you find that you can’t adapt, it might be sensible to contemplate exploring new avenues.

#2) Diverse time zones:

Do you find yourself staying late at the office or at home in front of your laptop past 11 PM or waking up at 5 AM to synchronize with geographically scattered teams? This scenario might seem quite familiar.

Regrettably, there’s no absolute remedy to this conundrum (though having coffee could assist). Using clocks that demonstrate the time in various places (like the world clock on your smartphone) and creating proficient communication protocols can minimize the requirement for meetings by resolving issues through email. Additionally, scheduling tasks with consideration for different time zones can significantly mitigate this challenge.

Suggested reading: => Onsite – Offshore Model of Software Testing – Making it work for you

#3) Cross-cultural discrepancies:

I’ve had the privilege of working in India as well as the US. While organizational culture tends to remain somewhat similar regardless of race, our backgrounds and origins can influence our perception and comprehension.

For instance: In the US, “Hi, How are you?” is a typical salutation. However, it doesn’t necessarily imply that the person genuinely intends to know your feelings at that instant. When I was fresh in the US, I would ponder, “I just met this person a moment ago. What could have changed in such a brief span?” Fortunately, I rapidly grasped the cultural context and adapted accordingly.

Additionally, in certain cultures, speaking less is seen as a sign of profound thought, while in others, it merely indicates boredom or a lack of anything to communicate.

By endeavoring to comprehend these subtle distinctions, we can enhance our understanding of people and foster our ability to work harmoniously with them.

Testing/QA-specific obstacles

#4) Incomplete documentation:

This obstacle is a perennial one. Numerous teams still heavily depend on verbal communication and offer minimum supporting materials detailing the software’s progression. The quickening of development cycles has only magnified this issue.

Nevertheless, obstacles often hide opportunities. Engaging in discussions with the development, business analysis, or technical teams can shed valuable insights. Carry out research on the application, scrutinize similar applications and their standards, and comprehend the end-user’s outlook. Additionally, consider venturing into new territory via exploratory testing.

For added guidance, browse: => How to Test an Application without Requirements?

#5) Unstable environments:

QA teams frequently grapple with obstacles arising from inferior environment setups, compelling them to make the best of their resources.

For instance: Handling a server that often gets overwhelmed and necessitates multiple restarts during testing or managing logs that require frequent clearing to avoid overflow.

To tackle such problems, it’s vital to highlight them and ensure that you receive sufficient environment support during testing. For common cases, gain access to servers and acquaint yourself with basic maintenance procedures, like restarting or clearing queues.

Suggested reading: => How to Minimize Test Environment Defects

#6) Imposed utilization of unsuitable tools:

At times, you might realize that a particular tool is not well-suited for the task. However, due to existing licenses possessed by clients/teams, you’re forced to continue using them until the licenses expire.

Personally, I had to test a Mainframes application by using HP QTP without the Terminal Emulator add-in. In this circumstance, I had the tool but lacked the appropriate configuration. There was meager I could do about it, so I had to resort to toggling between Normal and low-level recording modes as a workaround.

While this might not be a pleasant ordeal, it can push you to explore alternatives. In the worst case, you will reach a definitive conclusion as to whether the alternatives are feasible or not.

Additional reading: => A to Z Guide on Selecting an Automation Tool

#7) Inadequate applications:

Have you ever crossed paths with a software application that appeared more like a bug-producing machine? I’ve had the privilege of dedicating most of my day simply to report bugs, only to see certain areas of the application being overlooked due to the excessive number of bugs. The broad severity of these problems can readily throw you off track and lead you to question the objective of your work.

With time, I learned to firmly uphold my evaluation that the software wasn’t set for testing and rejected the build. I no longer seek a silver lining where there is none.

Additional Obstacles

#8) Managing individual quirks:

Have you ever had a developer bang on the conference room table the moment you spot a defect? I’ve experienced this firsthand. Later, I discerned that it was his unique expression method, rather than displaying frustration.

I also crossed paths with a team member who seemed initially unapproachable and impolite but was extremely introverted. This person barely uttered a word and evaded eye contact when asked for status updates. I came close to providing them a negative performance review and escalating the issue before realizing that I could conveniently fetch comprehensive details from this person via email. The face-to-face conversation was what made them uneasy.

Everyone is distinctive and deserves the benefit of the doubt. Refrain from jumping to conclusions and honor personal boundaries.

Suggested reading: => How to Effectively Manage a Test Team

#9) Lacking feedback loops: 

There are occasions when you spend days engrossed in a deliverable, only to realize that it wasn’t intended to be implemented that way.

On the other hand, when collaborating remotely with a team located elsewhere, you may experience sensations of isolation and a scarcity of individuals to brainstorm with.

Moreover, feedback that falls short in providing constructive guidance can be dispiriting. For instance, being informed that a process document is “good” without witnessing it being utilized or published leaves you wondering about its fate. In this case, the feedback of “good” constitutes no substantial worth and is mainly non-existent.

Aspire to solicit truthful feedback and foster a community where you can exchange thoughts. While not simple to attain, the positive validation this step provides is key to sustaining motivation.

#10) Prejudiced beliefs: 

Prejudices linked to gender, nationality, and other factors sadly exist in the workplace. Instead of concentrating on specific instances, it’s vital to embrace a global viewpoint and treat everyone as equals. Neglecting to do so can engender a hostile work environment.

About the writer: I wish to convey my gratitude to Swati, a colleague of the STH team, for sharing these top 10 obstacles encountered by testers with us.

Now it’s your moment.

Which entries on the compilation amazed you or echoed your experiences? What obstacles have you faced and how did you surmount them?

Please share your insights and opinions!