Workplace Conflict
Conflict naturally occurs in any workplace as a result of mixing individuals with different ideas, values and personalities.
Workplace conflict is a common cause of decreased productivity in the workplace, negatively impacting employees’ morale. Managers’ productivity is also lowered, as they spend significant time attempting to resolve conflict amongst their staff. At times, employees leave the workplace because of increased conflict and lowered morale. Workplace conflict can lead to staff retention difficulty, increasing the need to advertise and train new employees. Unfortunately, many managers do not have the advanced training and skill required to help staff to overcome significant conflict.
A basic assumption about conflict is that there will be differing perceptions regarding the problem from its cause to possible solutions. Hiring a counsellor to assist your staff in overcoming conflict can be a very effective and economical way of maintaining staff morale and productivity. Counselors can ensure that different perspectives are clarified and valued, thus helping individuals to move past anger and towards a solution-focused approach. This also allows management the opportunity to focus on the practical and procedural steps that promote productivity while our counsellors address the negative emotions that prevent people from feeling heard, valued and loyal to their workplace and careers.
Of course, the best intervention is always prevention. We encourage individuals, managers and companies in general to invest in teaching their staff communication and conflict resolutions skills. Those who speak with confidence and who are able to identify and respectfully communicate the issues they need to resolve, are less likely to be impacted by workplace conflict.