Tools for resolving workplace conflict

Repair work relationships + restore team harmony

Fractured workplace relationships and team tensions are often signs of workplace conflict. The underlying causes could range from pent up disagreements to serious incidents like bullying, sexual harassment or some other breach of the organisation’s code of conduct.

There are several tools and strategies that organisations should have in their conflict resolution tool-belt. For example:

• Cultural Reviews allow senior management and the board to take a broad sweeping, proactive approach by identifying and mitigating any potential red flags and highlighting any concerns or common themes that may need to be addressed.
  

• Workplace Investigations should be used whenever a manager becomes aware of a serious complaint or allegation. Workplace investigations must be conducted professionally from interview stage through to the final report. Outsourcing the task to an independent workplace investigator is often the best port of call.
  

• Mediation creates a safe space for individuals involved in workplace conflict to delve into the deeper issues and navigate towards a resolution. An experienced mediator can objectively identify where relationships have an undercurrent, or when particular issues need to be discussed.
  

• Facilitated Group Discussions are particularly useful when there are issues or underlying conflict within a team of employees.
  

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

WorkPlacePLUS can talk you through your options for conflict resolution and help you ensure you are using the appropriate tools and processes at the right times.

For more information, please contact us today.