Even the most harmonious work environments can experience issues at various times. Learning how to handle conflict in the workplace effectively sidesteps major problems that can result in serious tension for weeks or months at a time. Thankfully, there are many ways to resolve conflicts that help everyone get past the problem and continue working...
When considering workplace conflict, many immediately focus on resolving it, attempting to eliminate the disagreement completely and prevent its recurrence. While this goal may be understandable given the high costs of conflict, both on time and finances, it may not always be realistic to completely eradicate the idea of conflict overall. De-escalating conflict in the...
Summary of: Roper, I., & Higgins, P. (2020). Hidden in plain sight? The human resource management practitioner’s role in dealing with workplace conflict as a source of organisational–professional power. Hum Resour Manag Journal, 30. 508–524. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1748-8583.12311 Background & Theory In this research paper, researchers in England review the importance of human resources roles in organizations from both an...
Summary of: Lou Y. & Lu, L., (2020). A review of research on team conflict, conflict management and team performance, advances in economics, business and management research, 155, 321-326. https://www.atlantis-press.com/article/125947095 Background & Theory There have been a number of research studies completed on the topic of conflict within the workplace. Conflict in the workplace is often...
Workplace conflict is inevitable. But peer-to-peer conflict is a bit easier to navigate and overcome than conflict that extends beyond power dynamics in the office. When a boss is in conflict with their employees, turnover, morale, trust, and productivity can take much bigger hits than they may during other types of conflict. This is especially...
Are you wondering how to address toxic work relationships that are getting in the way of personnel and performance? You might be in a pretty tricky situation if that question has crossed your mind. In some work environments, people are drawn to each other because they enjoy gossip, engaging in constant criticism, or chronically igniting...
Some people default to reactions of aggression when facing challenging situations. When provoked or triggered, these folks don’t typically leave room to try to understand the reasons for a situation or work to seek creative solutions but instead will react quickly and intensely with anger. In these situations, the needs of said person become the...
When employees are happier, businesses do better. From retention to innovation, customer service to costly mistakes, improved employee morale means an improved bottom line. Better morale also means fewer instances of workplace conflict which can slow down productivity, increase stress and tension, and lead to expensive distractions among employees. So if happy employees create better...
Running a team is demanding and ensuring business needs are met takes up more time than you have allotted to the job. In kind, conflict is demanding and can take a physical and mental toll on the individuals involved, be they on the ground level of the dispute or at the point of intervention. It...
On August 26, 2021, Pollack Peacebuilding Systems hosted a panel discussion over new difficulties employers are facing while people are transitioning from remote to in-person work. Four peacebuilders came together to discuss “How to Deal with Political and Social Conflict in the Workplace”. As more people are coming back to work with our society being...
