WORKPLACE CONFLICT IS ON THE RISE: WHY AND WHAT CAN BE DONE?

By: Doug Verley

Executive Summary

Workplace conflict has become increasingly prevalent, undermining productivity, employee well-being, and overall company success. In this article I explore the reasons behind this alarming trend, providing examples of conflict-prone scenarios. I conclude with a set of actionable recommendations for business owners and leaders to effectively manage and mitigate workplace conflicts.

Introduction

Workplace conflict, once viewed as a sporadic issue, is now a recurring challenge faced by businesses across the globe. It negatively impacts productivity, employee morale, and can lead to substantial financial repercussions. In this article I explore the root causes of escalating workplace conflicts, providing real-world examples, and furnishing practical recommendations for resolving and preventing these issues.

Reasons for Workplace Conflict:

1.???? Communication Breakdown: Inadequate communication, misinterpretation of messages, or the lack of effective channels can lead to conflicts. Team members may have different expectations, leading to misunderstandings.

2.???? Diversity and Inclusion: Diverse workforces can inadvertently trigger conflict, especially if there's a lack of cultural understanding, inclusion, or tolerance. Prejudice or bias can lead to disputes.

3.???? Stress and Overwork: High levels of stress and excessive workloads often result in frustration, impatience, and heightened emotional responses, which can spark conflict.

4.???? Unclear Roles and Responsibilities: When employees don't have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, turf wars and blame games become common sources of conflict.

5.???? Lack of Leadership: Ineffective leadership, indecisiveness, or the absence of a strong leader to manage teams can lead to internal strife and power struggles.

Examples of Workplace Conflicts

1.???? Discrimination at Google: Google faced allegations of gender discrimination, leading to employee walkouts and legal battles. The lack of inclusivity policies resulted in a hostile work environment.

2.???? United Airlines Fiasco: In 2017, a video of a passenger being forcibly removed from a United Airlines flight went viral. This incident resulted from a lack of employee empowerment, decision-making processes, and communication, leading to a PR nightmare and internal conflict.

3.???? Amazon Warehouse Workers' Strikes: Conflicts have erupted among Amazon's warehouse workers due to demanding working conditions, unreasonable productivity expectations, and insufficient communication between management and employees.

4.???? Walmart Employee Protests: Walmart employees have organised strikes and protests, citing low wages and inadequate benefits. The company's resistance to employee demands has fuelled tensions and conflicts.

What Business Owners and Leaders Can Do:

1.???? Promote Effective Communication: Encourage transparent and open communication within the organisation. Implement feedback mechanisms and create forums for employees to express their concerns.

2.???? Diversity and Inclusion Programs: Develop diversity and inclusion initiatives to foster respect, cultural understanding, and a sense of belonging among employees.

3.???? Manage Workload: Ensure that workloads are manageable, and employees have a work-life balance. Monitor stress levels and provide resources for managing stress effectively.

4.???? Clear Role Definitions: Define roles and responsibilities clearly and ensure that each team member understands their specific contributions to the organisation's goals.

5.???? Strong Leadership: Appoint effective leaders who can lead by example, make informed decisions, and mediate conflicts when they arise.

6.???? Conflict Resolution Training: Provide conflict resolution training to employees to equip them with the skills needed to manage conflicts constructively.

7.???? Create a Safe Reporting System: Establish a secure, confidential reporting system where employees can voice their concerns about workplace conflicts without fear of retaliation.

8.???? Review and Update Policies: Periodically review company policies related to inclusivity, anti-discrimination, and ethical behaviour. Make necessary revisions to align with best practices.

Conclusion

Workplace conflict is a growing challenge that affects businesses and employees alike. The consequences can be devastating, but with proactive measures, companies can effectively manage and mitigate these issues. By addressing communication breakdowns, fostering diversity and inclusion, and promoting strong leadership, businesses can create a healthier, more harmonious work environment that leads to higher productivity and employee satisfaction. The examples provided illustrate the costs of failing to address these conflicts, highlighting the urgency of adopting conflict resolution strategies.

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DOUG VERLEY

Business & Life Coach, Business Advisor & Strategist

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