Wendy Macphail Employment Law Services

Conflict in the workplace is on the increase. It is unpleasant, affects productivity and thus profitability – it should be avoided.

Further, conflict in the workplace may result in good staff resigning from your organisation. Who wants to stay working in a workplace that is miserable when there are other options available?

There are some simple steps you can take to avoid conflict in the workplace. These include:
• Lead by example. Ensure your own behaviour reflects what you want modelled in your workplace.
• Address problems when they arise.
• Communicate effectively with your staff.
• Consult with staff when implementing changes that may affect them.
• Have transparent disciplinary processes in place to address inappropriate behaviour.
• Ensure you have a transparent code of conduct that everyone must comply with.
Here are some steps you can take when conflict arises in the workplace:
• Provide people with an opportunity to talk about their differences.
• Provide an appropriate meeting space where people can meet to talk. Such a place should be private and safe.
• Provide a mediator to assist any meetings between conflicting parties.
• Manage the process, such as arranging meetings, implementing codes of behaviour, assisting with finding solutions, ensuring actions are carried out.
• Assist people to communicate constructively, accurately and comprehensively. You may consider paying for communication training for your staff.
• Ensure your own behaviour reflects the values you wish to have in your workplace.
• Support any employees who are struggling emotionally, through assisted counselling and ensuring appropriate medical attention is forthcoming.
• Do not tolerate threatening behaviour.
• Do not expect miracles over night. The process may take some time.

If you have any employment queries you would like assistance with, please email wendy@employmentlawservices.co.nz

This article is intended as a point of reference and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional advice. Specialist advice should always be sought in relation to any particular circumstances and no liability will be accepted for any losses incurred by those relying solely on this article.