Workplace conflict, or organizational conflict, refers to an inability to work productively due to differences or hostile attitudes between two or more members of your company. It is important to identify and promptly deal with all workplace conflicts.
Steps To Take Before There Is A Conflict
The best way to deal with workplace conflict is through preventive measures. This includes having a proper hiring process, establishing guidelines for workplace behavior, encouraging an open-door policy, and training your managers and company executives.
Pay Extra Attention During The Hiring Process
Hiring the right people that fit your company culture and have a history of working as a part of a team in a productive and respectful manner is a great way to reduce the overall amount of workplace conflict within your company.
Create A Guideline To Reduce Workplace Conflicts
Guidelines should be in place to handle minor disputes before they develop into conflicts. This could be in the form of rules related to workplace professionalism and a code of conduct for how employees are to interact with others in the workplace.
Encourage Open Door Policies
Open door policies encourage employees to talk to managers and company executives about disputes in the workplace. This allows the problem to be resolved in a calm and organized manner, preventing a full-blown workplace dispute.
Train Your Managers In Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution is the key to the prevention of workplace conflicts. The earlier managers are able to detect a potential conflict and take preventive action the better results they will have.
What To Do When A Workplace Conflict Arises
While proper preventive measures reduce the rate of workplace conflict, instances may still occur. When they do, you can resolve the conflict by working with an HR professional and implementing the following advice.
Schedule A Meeting In A Neutral Area
Communication is essential to workplace conflict resolution. To defuse the situation and not make it a public matter that affects the entire office, meet with all employees involved in a private area away from where the conflict occurred.
Set Ground Rules Between Parties
If two employees or separate departments fail to get along, then establishing a way for them to work independently as much as possible could be helpful. This may include delegating work duties and establishing rules to promote productive interactions.
Encourage Those Involve To Explain From Their Point Of View
You should consider every employee to listen more than they speak and be willing to hear differing opinions. In addition, encourage employees to express their point of view respectfully.
Brainstorm And Find A Solution
Brainstorming and working through thoughts and ideas to reach a solution that works for all parties is helpful. Every situation is unique, and creative and unique ideas may be necessary for certain workplace conflicts.
Document Results And Next Steps
Progress is not an abstract idea, and it can and should be documented. This allows you to see where progress is made and where it is not, and you can determine the next step to take based on the information.
Speak With A Remote HR Consulting Firm
If you are not able to resolve a workplace conflict internally, then call our team at HR Search & Rescue at (844) 934-3293 or schedule a 1-on-1 meeting online for remote HR consulting and assistance in handling the situation.