10 tips for employers to effectively manage conflict

There are many uncertainties in the workplace, however one thing we know for sure is that conflict is inevitable. When people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and working styles come together, disagreements are bound to occur. However, how these conflicts are managed can significantly impact the overall health and productivity of an organisation. It is imperative that employers are proactive in establishing strategies to minimise conflict and empower leaders with the skills to effectively manage it before it escalates into more systemic issues.

What is workplace conflict?

Workplace conflict refers to any form of disagreement or clash between employees, teams, or departments within an organisation. These conflicts can range from minor misunderstandings to major disputes that disrupt the work environment and breakdown relationships. Conflicts can be interpersonal, where individuals have personal disagreements, or they can be task-related, where there are differences in opinions about how work should be done. Left unchecked, these niggles can turn into major issues that cause significant stress and impact work productivity.

Why does workplace conflict occur?

Several factors can contribute to workplace conflict, including:

1. Diverse work styles: Employees have different approaches to work, which can lead to misunderstandings and disagreements.
2. Communication breakdown: Poor communication or miscommunication can cause confusion and conflict.
3. Resource scarcity: Competition for limited resources, such as time, money, or equipment, can lead to conflicts.
4. Personality clashes: Differences in personalities and temperaments can result in friction between employees.
5. Unclear roles and responsibilities: Ambiguity in job roles and responsibilities can create confusion and conflict.
6. Stress and pressure: High levels of stress and pressure can exacerbate conflicts, as employees may be more prone to frustration and anger.

10 Strategies to minimise and manage workplace conflict

The truth is many employers don’t want to tackle workplace conflict and either just hope it goes away or leave employees to sort it out themselves. The trouble is that taking a passive role in managing conflict can allow a small issue to escalate to something that causes damage to the welfare and health of employees or it can impact the ability to reach business goals. Here are 10 strategies for employers to be more proactive in managing conflict:

1. Promote open communication: Encourage employees to communicate openly and honestly. Create an environment where employees feel safe to express their concerns and opinions without fear of retaliation.
2. Establish clear roles and responsibilities: Ensure that all employees have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. This can help prevent misunderstandings and reduce the likelihood of conflict.
3. Provide conflict resolution training: Offer training programs that teach employees how to manage and resolve conflicts effectively. This can include communication skills, negotiation techniques, and problem-solving strategies. Ai Group offers training to support and build competency.
4. Encourage collaboration: Foster a collaborative work environment where employees work together towards common goals. Encourage teamwork and cooperation to reduce competition and promote harmony.
5. Implement a conflict resolution policy: Develop and implement a formal conflict resolution policy that outlines the steps employees should take when conflicts arise. This policy should include procedures for reporting conflicts, as well as guidelines for mediation and resolution.
6. Lead by example: As an employer, demonstrate effective conflict management skills. Show empathy, active listening, and fairness in dealing with conflicts. Your behaviour sets the tone for the rest of the organisation.
7. Address issues early: Don’t let conflicts fester. Address issues as soon as they arise to prevent them from escalating. Early intervention can help resolve conflicts before they become more serious.
8. Provide support: Offer support to employees who are involved in conflicts. This can include access to counseling services, mediation, or other resources that can help them manage their emotions and resolve the conflict.
9. Encourage feedback: Regularly seek feedback from employees about their work environment and any potential conflicts. This can help you identify and address issues before they become major problems. Furthermore, it shows employees that you care.
10. Foster a positive work culture: Create a positive work culture that values respect, diversity, and inclusion. A supportive and respectful work environment can reduce the likelihood of conflicts and promote overall employee well-being.

Be proactive

It is human nature to want to avoid conflict, however when leaders turn a blind eye they are allowing small things to turn into large scale issues. Managing conflict in the workplace is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive work environment. By understanding the causes of conflict and implementing effective strategies to manage it, employers can create a more harmonious workplace where everyone benefits. Open communication, clear roles, conflict resolution training, and a positive work culture are key components of successful conflict management. By taking proactive steps, employers can minimise conflicts and ensure that their workplace remains a place where employees can thrive.

Further information

For assistance with your workplace matters, Members of Ai Group can contact us or call our Workplace Advice Line on 1300 55 66 77 for further information. Ai Group offers a range of learning and development programs to bring out the best in employees on their leadership journey.