Though common, workplace conflicts are uncomfortable situations that can cause severe damage to work operations if left unaddressed. Disputes can reduce workers performance, increase their stress, reduce productivity, and affect their morale, which affects overall business success. Workplace conflicts should be prevented early, but if they arise, they should be handled immediately to avoid more damage. A company should establish a conflict management process to reduce misunderstandings and conflicts among employees. Let us see how we can solve those inevitable disputes at work.
Build an Open Door Policy
It is the duty of managers to ensure workers do not have conflicts by providing a comfortable environment where workers can feel free to express their concerns. The best way to do this is by establishing an open-door policy that encourages employees to present their matters to their leaders without fear of intimidation. The complainants should be listened to and asked questions to prevent issues from escalating. Likewise, the other party should be given a chance to explain its reasons. The action taken should be fair to both sides by avoiding discrimination, which can cause more damage to the issue.
Determine the Situation’s Severity
A workplace dispute can only be properly resolved by understanding the nature of the conflict. It is important to know whether the issue is serious or petty to know the kind of action to take. For instance, if there is miscommunication or misinterpreted details, the dispute resolver can help the victims understand the issue and solve it immediately. However, if the case is serious and involves discrimination or harassment, there should be company policies that should help address the issue rightly. Conflicts are inevitable, but understanding their root causes can help solve the case easily.
Encourage Employees to Resolve Their Disputes
While it is the role of managers to guide and help employees deal with conflicts, sometimes it is better to allow them to solve their issues on their own. Giving them the opportunity to solve their problems together can improve their behaviors. When the conflicts are based on friendly disagreements, it is wise to watch and asses. If they solve the issue before it escalates, it gives them an opportunity to find a common ground for constructive conversations. Stepping too early can sometimes escalate a problem that employees might have considered as a nonissue.
Take Action When Necessary
While some conflicts might be nonissue, some are severe and require taking serious action. Employment law prohibits some practices, such as discrimination and harassment, based on certain characteristics like disability and gender. The perpetrators are bound to receive serious punishment or fines if they let their conflict lead to bullying, use of explicit and aggressive language, threats, and disrespectful conversations. It is, therefore, crucial to carefully look at any complaint brought to you to know which action to take. Always ensure employees feel safe when presenting their matters to you by handling disputes fairly.
Workplace conflicts are unavoidable but should be handled early to avoid escalating to serious problems. Leaders and managers should be on the front line of solving these issues since letting them escalate can affect work operations. Provide employees with a free environment to allow them to bring their matters without fear. Understand every conflict and know its severity level to determine whether they should solve it themselves or you should intervene.