Workplace Conflict is Inevitable...
Disagreements are a natural part of working. Even when employers are careful, and scrutinize the potential candidates to make a decision based on the best cultural fit, skills, and experience workplace conflicts inevitably arise. This is especially true during stressful times, busy periods, after layoffs, and other situations when tension is running high.
We have seen many examples in the media this year as to how increased stress and feelings of desperation resulting from COVID have caused an increase in conflict.
In most cases, COVID restrictions and rules have done little to diffuse conflict or create a "happier" workplace.
Even in the best of times, conflict arises in many situations including conflict among co-workers, between workers and their supervisors, between workers and customers.
Sometimes, depending on the conflict, when handled properly a conflict can lead to new, innovative solutions and more cohesive relationships. However, when conflict goes unaddressed and creates a chronic environment of animosity, the cost of conflict can lead to crippling productivity, reduce workplace morale, increase turnover, and even result in litigation.
Workplace conflict has been recognized to result in losses to businesses for a long time. In fact, employment issues have been said to have cost American companies $359 BILLION a year due to diminished work performance, low employee morale, and loss of revenue (Picincu, A, 2019). Not to mention the negative health effects elevated conflict can have on employees such as anxiety, depression, poor sleep, back pain, and even migraines (Picincu, A. 2019).
In Canada, the unmanaged or unresolved conflict has been attributed to employee absenteeism by the Conference Board of Canada, resulting in a loss to the economy in an estimated amount of $16.1 billion in 2012.
There is no reason to believe that all the new restrictions and obligations that will go along with starting up business operations during or after COVID are likely to make things any easier.
Therefore, learning how to manage conflicts, and sometimes even take advantage of the conflict, can help business owners build better teams and healthier workplace culture.
Managing conflict refers to the practice of resolving conflict fairly and effectively, and in the best-case scenario, having a conflict resolution protocol at the workplace. A system that can address problems as they arise. When employers manage conflicts properly, parties avoid escalating disagreements and feel heard and understood. Differing sides agree to collaborate and overcome the challenge. Some resolutions even offer inventive and unconventional solutions that are tailored to the business and the people involved.
Managers who learn how to perfect resolution skills and strategies to get the most value out of conflict, become stars. Workplace conflict resolution training and the use of Mediators at the workplace can help mediocre departments or businesses become powerhouses due to increases in productivity, positive teamwork, and pride.
