Managing Conflict Lawyers
What Is Workplace Conflict?
With the best will in the world, there is always potential for conflict within the workplace.
Conflict can take many forms but mainly involves disagreements between colleagues.
Often conflict has to do with how an individual perceives a given situation.
Specific examples of conflict include:
- Any form of bullying or harassment
- Discriminatory behaviour
- Poor performance
- Poor attendance and timekeeping
- Unacceptable language
The signs of conflict can also be very subtle and could include the following:
- Personality clashes or differences in working habits
- Poor communication, both in written and verbal communications
- Ignoring people
If not appropriately handled, workplace conflict can become a very toxic force.
However, the positive news is that if you deal with issues promptly, using effective communication skills and emotional intelligence, you can nip potential conflict in the bud.
Reach out to us today to find out more.
When Will You Need Advice and Support?
As with all things, prevention is better than cure so creating the right environment and fostering good HR behaviours is key.
However, even if you do everything right you can still have issues.
Many HR decisions that an employer makes have the potential to create conflict. Usually, conflict arises when an employee believes that they are the victim of unfair treatment in their job role, by managers or other colleagues.
An incredibly important feature of good HR is regular catch-ups with team members. If this can be done regularly and in the right way they can serve as an early warning system for potential simmering conflict.
It is important to consider dealing with these matters informally wherever possible. A quiet word before matters get too problematic is often enough to implement effective communication and reduce conflict.
If relationships between members of staff do not improve, then it may be necessary to look at a more formal approach.
In the case of examples, such as bullying or harassment, this may take the form of investigations in the workplace, grievance procedures, or possibly disciplinary action against the alleged perpetrator.
However, consideration should always be given to trying to resolve things in a simpler way.
Workplace mediation is often related to conflict. It can be a very useful tool for employers to resolve issues and workplace disputes.
What We Can Do for You
The team at Beyond Corporate can assist at the prevention stage.
Generally, this involves ensuring that the correct policies and procedures are in place, undertaking the correct training, and assessing particular points of weakness within the organisation.
We can advise on day-to-day HR matters and getting the correct advice quickly enough is often enough to stop things from developing.
If matters cannot be resolved, we can assist with providing mediation between work colleagues.
We are also able to deal with any workplace, grievances or disciplinary matters which may arise.
If ultimately, the matter cannot be resolved and the issue ends up in an employment tribunal, we are able to advise and assist on all aspects.
Employment Capabilities
Reach out to Our Employment Lawyers
Our Employment team is focused on providing tailor-made support for businesses, HR, and people teams and individuals. Our team has years of experience in managing conflict, so no matter your issue we can help.
To speak with our team, give us a call at 0333 202 6433 or send an email to [email protected].
