A healthy workplace is somewhere you can fulfil your duties while remaining respected, safe, and supported; however, when conflict arises, it can have a massive impact on wellbeing and quickly escalate if it is not dealt with in the right way.
What is workplace conflict?
Workplace conflict is any misunderstanding, disagreement, or tension between people at their place of work. A survey carried out last year found that one-quarter of all UK employees had experienced workplace conflict. When left unresolved, it can lead to stress and burnout, low productivity, and people leaving. Let’s look at four common examples and how they might be resolved.
1. Power struggles
When colleagues compete for influence or control, it is usually because there is a lack of clear roles. The tension often takes time to build up, so it can be useful to have an open and honest talk before things escalate. This can help both sides bring the focus back to the team and find the best way forward.
2. Cultural differences
Even if a company is welcoming to all, different experiences that help create a strong team can also lead to conflict, whether due to age, background, education, or religion. As with all workplace conflicts, using respectful, inclusive communication is key.
If a member of staff is struggling with their mental health, you may want to consider mental health awareness training; for example, companies looking for mental health training courses Blackpool will find providers such as www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/blackpool/.
3. Lack of leadership
When someone is not being supported by their manager or is feeling overlooked and taken for granted, it can lead to conflict. People have different communication styles, so the solution is to have a constructive conversation in a one-to-one environment.
4. Personality clashes
Tension between teams or colleagues can happen due to interpersonal conflict, leading to miscommunication and awkwardness. We can’t get on with everyone in life; however, in the workplace, it is important to remember that just because you don’t see eye-to-eye, you can still work together on a common goal.
