How To Handle Workplace Conflict or Stress

January 25, 2023September 24, 2023 - by Aarshiya Jaidka - 3 Comments.

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Even though handling conflicts is never enjoyable, people shouldn’t avoid handling disagreement at work. Conflict at work can escalate and lead to additional problems if it is ignored. Instead, deal with the issue head-on and find a solution to preserve a productive workplace. Here are some guidelines for managing and minimizing workplace conflict inside your organization.

Following are a few steps which will help in handling workplace conflict:

Workplace conflict has a negative conflict

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Workplace conflict can make people feel tense, apprehensive, depressed, and insecure. When there is conflict in your business. You might see a drop in employee performance and productivity because conflict can divert attention or demotivate workers.

Unmanaged workplace conflict is detrimental to company culture even if a certain amount of constructive conflict can be beneficial for business growth. Negative workplace friction may cause employees to start arriving late or even not at all. Which puts more pressure on co-workers who must cover for them. If workplace conflict becomes severe enough, it may eventually lead to higher turnover rates as employees either leave the company voluntarily or are forced to do so.

Take initiative

Preventing workplace disagreements from starting in the first place is one of the greatest strategies to handle them. Make an effort to foresee possible conflict situations and to intervene before any of them arise. Being proactive will most likely reduce the severity and duration of any conflicts that do occur. The greatest way to reduce or get rid of workplace stress is to try to understand what causes it naturally.

For instance, if you are aware that the marketing department and the accounting department do not get along, it might potentially cause friction. A smart leader will be aware of this and take action to foster goodwill amongst the departments.

Set guidelines for appropriate conduct

Don’t just assume that workers know what is and isn’t appropriate behaviour in the workplace. Later on, this could lead to misunderstandings and confusion. Instead, communicate clearly with all new workers about acceptable and unacceptable workplace behaviour, and routinely remind current employees of these expectations.

It can be difficult to define what constitutes the “workplace” because many employees may work remotely or in a hybrid environment rather than in a typical office. Create a remote work plan that outlines expectations for behaviour in a remote workplace, and make sure it is consistently followed to avoid confusion. After you have established clear expectations for behaviour at work, write them down in your employee handbook and go over them with your staff.

Clear communication is key

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Every facet of business, including conflict management, depends on effective communication. Numerous issues can arise as a result of unclear communication. For instance, if there is poor communication, a worker may not know the appropriate behaviour to exhibit or they may mistakenly believe that someone else’s intentions are harmful. Teach your supervisors and staff the finest ways to interact with one another at work.

Given the prevalence of remote working, it’s critical to realize that poor communication may contribute more to workplace conflict among these people. Despite recent improvements in digital communication, it can still be difficult or awkward to communicate online. With the use of modern channels like email and instant chat, it is simpler to misread people.

Make appropriate timing decisions

Timing is crucial. While it’s crucial to avoid letting a dispute fester, you also don’t want to attempt to address it while tensions are still high. Sometimes it’s preferable to communicate with individuals while allowing the situation to settle among the impacted personnel. People who are angered occasionally lack emotional maturity and the ability to perceive the situation objectively.

You run the risk of unnecessarily escalating the issue by forcing two (or more) staff members to participate in a mediation session before they’re ready. The objective is to successfully resolve the matter, and in order to do so, all parties must be on the same page and prepared to calmly discuss the crucial concerns.

Give your leaders workplace conflict management training

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There is little question that workplace conflict is a significant business issue that requires good management by corporate leaders. Unfortunately, many times, leaders lack the knowledge and abilities needed to help resolve conflicts. Many people even experience anxiety and/or avoidance when disagreements occur.

Learn how to manage people well, especially when it comes to dispute, from your leadership, especially if they work remotely. Offer your managers specific training on how to handle conflicts and resistance in the workplace rather than assuming they are aware of everything.

Keep the WIIFM element in mind

“What’s in it for me?” is referred to as WIIFM. This is a crucial consideration each time a leader is handling staff disputes. Really, the thing that interests employees the most is WIIFM. They want to know how a situation will affect them personally and what they stand to gain or lose. This is also a major driver of their drive.

There is less likelihood of workplace dispute when you properly explain firm benefits to employees. An improved ability to handle disagreement when it arises will also be a benefit. You may more effectively manage your employees’ disputes when you understand what drives them and what they stand to gain from a certain situation.

Embrace workplace conflict as a chance to improve

(Photo from istock)(Photo from istock)

Consider each argument at work as a chance for growth and learning. When managed properly, conflict and disagreement can occasionally even be beneficial. The goal should be to use conflict to foster teamwork and learning. Either an organization or an individual can carry out this.

Which more important lessons can we learn from this conflict, ask yourself and your team. How can we apply those lessons to avoid conflict at work in the future? Asking the proper questions can foster internal creativity and enhance the working environment. Every scenario, including conflicts, should have a good outcome and impact on the business, and smart leaders are constantly looking for ways to make this happen.