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Can Restorative Practice Help Resolve Workplace Conflict?

  • WorkPlacePLUS
  • Jun 12, 2024
  • 2 min read

Updated: Sep 2

Illustration of people holding a heart with speech bubbles. Background is orange. Text: WorkPlacePLUS, WorkPlacePLUS.com.au.

What is restorative practice?


Restorative Practice is a communication strategy that can be used to repair damaged workplace relationships and restore harmony within teams.


The concept of restorative practice comes from criminal justice principle of restorative justice, which switches the focus from the actions of the offender to the harm caused by their actions.1 The focus is not on punishment but providing an opportunity for the offender to understand the harm and make things right.2


How can restorative practice be applied in the workplace?


As a communication-based approach to resolving workplace conflict, restorative practice can be applied at various stages across a range of workplace processes, such as

  • in the day-to-day managing and mentoring of staff

  • in direct unmediated conversations between individuals

  • during a performance management discussion

  • during a facilitated group discussion

  • after a workplace cultural review

  • after a workplace investigation

  • after a formal mediation session


Key Considerations


It’s important to note that restorative practice is only appropriate in certain circumstances, as you do not want such conversations to do harm. For instance, if it has been substantiated that an employee has engaged in bullying behaviour and they are still working with the victim, restorative practice may not be suitable.


How WorkPlacePLUS Can Help


WorkPlacePLUS offers a range of tools and strategies for resolving workplace conflict. We can talk you through your options and help you choose the appropriate tools and processes at the right times.


If restorative practice is a suitable choice for the issue at hand, rest assured that the team at WorkPlacePLUS has the skills and experience to successfully facilitate reparative discussions.


WorkPlacePLUS uses restorative practice and reparative communication strategies as tools to assist organisations with:

  • supporting appropriate workplace behaviours

  • minimising inappropriate behaviours

  • rebuilding team trust

  • fostering a culture of healing when issues occur

  • fostering a culture of continuous improvement

 

  Contact WorkPlacePLUS for more information or to book a free consultation.


  Learn more about our Mediation & Conflict Resolution services.

 

1 Howard Zehr ‘Community Justice: The Historical Alternative’ in Changing Lenses: A New Focus for Crime and Justice (1999).

2 Howard Zehr The Little Book of Restorative Justice 23, 24.


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