How to Solve a Workplace Dispute

Conflict in the workplace is inevitable, no matter how much we wish it wasn’t. Spending time with people day in and day out is difficult, tensions rise and trouble is bound to brew. Therefore, having the right structure in place in order to deal with conflict when it does arise is vital.

With that in mind, there are some key ways in which you can solve a burgeoning workplace dispute:

Reinforce Acceptability

Is the issue which has caused the problem something which has come as a result of slipped standards? In some cases, your employees may not be acting maliciously. Rather they may simply be unaware that such actions are not acceptable in the workplace or scenario. As such, it is important that you work to reinforce what is and what isn’t acceptable in the workforce.

This can either be on a one-to-one basis or as a whole for the entirety of the business. In the latter case, you can use this as an opportunity to reaffirm company values and principles. Thus, hopefully, removing the issue for future cases.

Gather Evidence

A pattern of the behaviour can quickly form, which is especially important if you want to prove a developing problem. If disciplinary action or even removing the person from their role is required, then evidence becomes even more important. With the right evidence, it should be possible to prove the issue and help to resolve it with the right level of action required.

Mediate the Issue

If a resolution is not forthcoming, it is then important to try and settle between the two parties in a calm environment. This is often much more achievable during mediation proceedings.

Mediation is often the best way to resolve an issue. As it can solve problems without the need for further legal action, resolving the issue to a standard which is acceptable for both sides of the conflict. With a third party, independent, mediator in place you can see an unbiased opinion on both sides of the conflict. And often the mediation solicitor can help bring the matter to a suitable close.

Seek Resolution

Having a clearly defined end point to any conflict is important, but even more so when it comes to the workplace. If a resolution does not occur, resentment and anger can simply fester. Creating an even bigger problem; maybe not today, but certainly sometime in the future.

Seeking resolution is sometimes much easier said than done. As with any conflict there can be quite heavy emotions preventing either side from an appropriate agreement, leading to more serious resolution methods being required. In such cases, it is important to have dispute resolution solicitors on hand to resolve the issue to complete satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, if you want to solve a workplace dispute you need to actively work towards a resolution that fits all parties involved. In such cases, it is important to understand that all parties may not be completely satisfied with the conclusion. So, you may have someone who quits or a continued bad vibe in the workplace until the issue comes to a head again.