When people are thrown together for eight hours a day, five days a week, conflict is probably inevitable. After all, without some lower levels of conflict or competition, workplaces would be very boring places indeed, with little or no differing opinions or exchange of ideas. However, if the conflict escalates there are generally no positives to be gained.
Organisations can help minimise unhealthy levels of conflict through sound HR policies such as clear position descriptions and standard operating procedures, open communication and a strong chain of command which ensures everyone knows their roles, responsibilities and how they fit into the organisation. Well-publicised grievance processes supported by management are also important.
So while workplace conflict is almost inescapable – there are some strategies you can employ to minimise and manage it.
Early intervention
Experience has shown that workplace conflicts rarely resolve themselves or just “blow over” – they just get bigger and more destructive. So if you suspect conflict is brewing, step in immediately. According to Monash University, early signs of conflict in the workplace can include gossip; avoidance; resistance; exclusion; absenteeism; mood changes in staff members; silences, or a drop in the amount of communication; inappropriate communication; negative body language; continual complaining or arguments; change in work and decision-making styles; changes in social patterns, and recurring problems.
If any of these are happening in your workplace, the first thing to do is take the affected employees aside individually and try to get to the bottom of the issue. Once the underlying cause – or causes – become evident, you can take targeted action to resolve the conflict.
Staff consultation
Sometimes a resolution is as simple as asking the warring staff – and others affected – what outcome they want. Perhaps you need to revisit position descriptions; or reduce workloads; or update policies; or merely change the seating arrangements. These conversations can be difficult to have so it is important that you are properly prepared for them.
Mediation
As a manager, you may be a little too close to see the conflict rationally and objectively. Take a look at our article on the benefits of mediation. This is when calling in a third party is a good idea. The mediator could be someone in HR, a manager from another business unit, but sometimes (for example, when an issue has already reached serious proportions) it is best to get in an expert from outside the organisation.
There are a number of companies – including ER Strategies – that specialise in mediation and dispute resolution, with experts that can keep a clear head and offer solutions and strategies to help settle any conflict. The key is to ensure you find a mediator that you trust – and who can also gain the trust of your staff.
Of course, there is no guarantee that the above steps will solve the problem, but at the very least, they will reassure your staff – and you – that conflict in your workplace is dealt with efficiently and effectively. And they may also go some way to mitigating any penalty should conflict escalate to such an extent that an industrial relations tribunal or the safety regulator becomes involved, or a workers’ compensation claim is submitted.
How can we help you?
Workplace conflict is inevitable and it is important that you manage it before it escalates. ER Strategies specialises in assisting employers to manage their employees and workplaces in a compliant way. There are various rights an employer must uphold in the process of managing conflicts which can make the whole process quite complicated. If you need assistance, or just want to find out more about the employer’s obligations, give us a call on 1300 55 66 37 or click the button below to fill out the contact us form.