Healthy conflict occurs in most organisations.
However, relationships are complex especially in the workplace, with lots of personalities under one roof.
Healthy debate may be welcome, but some conflict can be disruptive, escalate and have negative consequences.
Five ways personal conflict could impact employees
- Increased stress
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Avoidance of responsibility and accountability
- Negative impacts on home and family life
- Increased rates of depression and anxiety
Nine ways conflict could impact your organisation
- Psychological workers' comp claims
- Industrial relations issues
- Damaged reputation
- Low morale
- Decreased productivity
- Closed communication
- Culture of blame
- Higher absenteeism
- Higher levels of emotional distress
Sometimes mediation can improve relationships and help parties move forward.
Mediation allows a safe space to air grievances through a no blame process using set ground rules.
What is mediation?
Mediation is future-focussed and helps people work together better.
Friendship isn't a necessary outcome of mediation, but usually creates a comfortable working environment.
Workplace mediation is a voluntary, no blame, and confidential system that can help people move forward.
How does mediation work?
An LGIS mediator can be called in to begin the mediation process between willing employees once an issue has been identified.
LGIS mediation is a two-stage process.
Stage one is the pre-mediation phase where key parties prepare to meet in a safe and supported environment.
Stage two is the joint mediation phase.
Parties identify and respectfully discuss what they need for an improved working relationship.
An agreement is drawn up, which both parties sign.
An LGIS mediator then works with local leaders (e.g. a line manager or HR) to create effective monitoring and support.
When mediation isn't the answer
Mediation is not always appropriate and won't always resolve entrenched workplace dysfunction.
The LGIS HR risk management team can advise and conduct a workplace needs analysis in relation to complex matters involving many workers or long-standing issues.
The team will speak to members of the workgroup and its leaders about their concerns and ways to improve the situation.
The resulting report analyses their responses and recommends ways to work together to improve the workplace.