Workplace Conflict Hindering Your Progress? 5 Ways to Remedy It
When there’s an evident conflict in the workplace, it’s probable that it’s getting in the way of your work. Not to mention the effects it’ll have on the atmosphere as well as upon your fellow colleagues.
With six out of ten people experiencing or witnessing bullying in the workplace, it’s definitely safe to say you could be exposed to it on a daily basis.
Looking for a way to remedy it? These five methods will ensure the conflict is put to an end, effectively making coming to work a lot more pleasant an experience.
1. Talk to the boss.
Perhaps the easiest and most direct way to eliminate conflict in the workplace – whether you’re involved in it or not – is by talking to the boss.
They’ll have the responsibility and the power to directly approach those guilty of the conflict, whether it be a mutual bashing of heads or direct bullying, and likely stop it from continuing.
Although you may think your boss is too busy to deal with something as seemingly menial as a conflict in the workplace, it’s important for both of you to consider how hindering it could be both to those involved and those distracted by it.
If you are the boss and somebody approaches you with a claim of conflict or workplace bullying, make sure you put an immediate plan into action in order to stop it as soon as possible.
It isn’t fair for your employees to have to deal with a bad apple or two. Especially if it’s getting in the way of their productivity.
Let the conflict continue, however, and there’s no telling how far it could go.
You could end up losing fellow employees in the process – don’t let that happen. Nip it in the bud before it becomes extremely detrimental.
2. Pull the culprits aside.
If you feel the conflict is minor enough to be dealt with alone, there’s no reason not to at least try. Ask those involved in said conflict to come aside and talk with you. If there’s someone else there listening to the points made by each party, you’ll be able to decipher just where things are going wrong and effectively go from there.
Sometimes all it takes is a quick discussion with each other to remedy any issues existing between those involved. And so initiating that discussion could do wonders in preventing said conflict going any further.
It may be ideal to let your boss know you’re doing it beforehand, too. If anything goes awry and you fail to reach a desirable conclusion, their intervention could be the catalyst for change.
3. Transform your own space.
Feeling hopeless in remedying the conflict in the workplace? Focus on your own surroundings and how you can better the situation for yourself. Often all it takes is a change of scenery. So if you’re feeling oppressed by the tension or outright warring in the workplace, don’t hesitate to remove yourself and work elsewhere if possible.
Many offices nowadays are evolving to promote different workspaces. Common areas, secluded hideaways, and varied meeting rooms all help promote productivity and can often give you a space to get away from distractions and work to the best of your ability.
If there’s conflict you’re desperate to remove yourself from, think about other areas you could work – especially if all you need is a laptop.
4. Don’t interact with them.
As opposed to tackling the conflict head-on or removing yourself from the situation, you could make an effective stand just by ignoring them completely.
This will work especially well if it’s a workplace bully you’re trying to stop in their tracks. By refusing to entertain their remarks or actions, they’ll likely become bored and eventually stop their tirades should they not get a rise out of you.
The only reason bullies continue to operate is if they get a reaction out of you, so make sure you’re not one to give in. Simply give them the cold shoulder, and if their actions persist, tell the boss. They’ll soon stop what they’re doing.
5. Talk to HR.
Alternatively, instead of approaching the boss, HR is another good solution to solve any issue, not just that of conflict or bullying. It’s what they’re there for. If your company has an effective and trustworthy HR department, be sure to report your problems there.
HR is a great option should you need to report a conflict and feel that management or your boss are/is too busy to deal with it. It’s there for a reason. Use HR whenever you need to, especially when said conflict or bullying is getting in the way of your work and productivity.
Do you have any more tips for dealing with conflict in the workplace?
