Workplace conflict is something that happens in every organisation. In a workplace where there are people from different backgrounds with different values and beliefs, conflicts are inevitable.

 

Workplace conflict is a state of disagreement among individuals working together. Workplace conflict can come as an alleged or genuine opposition of needs, beliefs, and interests.

 

It is important to resolve employee conflicts promptly in order to maintain a smooth working environment. It is not a good idea to assume that conflicts will simply disappear naturally; even simple conflicts can grow into major problems in an organization if not dealt with appropriately and quickly.

 

Below are five trusted ways to deal with workplace conflicts:

1. Establish staff rules and regulations

 

As stated earlier, conflict among employees is inevitable. However, one of the ways to manage it is to establish rules and regulations. These rules define boundaries to relationships among employees.

 

For instance, citizens of most secular nations have the right and freedom to practice different religious and social beliefs that are sensitive to them. Opinion and counter-opinion relating to such sensitive matters if not controlled have the potential to create tension and conflict among employees.

 

It is so important that organizations should establish rules. These rules prohibit employees from expressing views that contradict the beliefs of a fellow employee while in the workplace. This is the surest way of managing tension that could have arisen from a disagreement in values.

2. Create a communication channel

 

Workplace tension could increase if there is a lack of open communication channels. When communication channels such as face-to-face meetings and written communication between workers and management are created, it reduces tension in the workplace.

 

Also, regular meetings are other open channels of communication that help to keep employees informed about company projects and assist in defusing rumours or misunderstandings about new plans and policies. Regular meetings provide the opportunity for employees to get clarifications on company policies, table any issue or concerns and ask questions about working environments or processes.

Also read:
– Monday Motivation: How To Handle Grief At The Workplace
– The Importance Of Encouraging Fitness In Workplace
– Six Beautiful Ways To Juggle The Demands Of Work And Pregnancy

3. Training

 

Constant training for all employees of your organization is very important irrespective of their levels. Such training should focus on helping staff members manage tension, teach them stress-reducing exercise activities and recommended ways to build positive connections with their co-workers.

It is believed that companies that provide advice for establishing sensible working habits and workweek planning also experience less employee stress and tension.

4. Give immediate attention to complaints and deal with them

 

Dealing with complaints promptly is one way to manage tension among employees; it prevents a growing concern from going out of control. Companies that offer a formal process for filing and handling complaints regarding workplace issues are likely to have less tension among workers than companies that don’t put such processes in place.

5. Listen to both parties and know the facts

 

Once a conflict situation has occurred in the workplace, the best approach is to inquire. This is to know what the conflict is about by inviting both parties to express their feelings and frustrations.

 

To achieve this, you need to define boundaries. Also to make sure that they understand the goal of such dialogue and the need to express themselves. Explore the concerns of both parties and assess the situation by asking questions. Ensure you avoid making statements about your own point of view until both persons’ positions have been understood.

 

For your daily dose of tech, lifestyle and trending content, make sure to follow Plat4om on Twitter @Plat4omLive, on Instagram @Plat4om, on LinkedIn at Plat4om, and on Facebook at Plat4om. You can also email us at info@techtalkwithtdafrica.com. Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE.