Interesting causes of workplace conflict you need to know about

Conflict is considered to be inevitable in the workplace. However, despite its unavoidability, managers and business owners need to have a proactive approach and be ready to mediate and quell any simmering tensions and discontent before they escalate and become a legal matter. Even the simplest of disagreements between warring employees can lead to chaos and a negative working environment which will not only spread like wildfire but will also impact the productivity of your employees.

Workplace conflict can happen for a variety of reasons and it’s not just employees on the front line of your business that are affected. Even executives and board-room level officials can find themselves struggling with conflict, whether that’s through discrimination and disputes with other colleagues, to issues over their contracts and service agreements even the implementation of strategic changes can be met with conflict and resistance, leading to all kinds of problems that will begin to filter down into employee level workers. High-level employees are advised to seek conflict assistance from an executive representation lawyer if they find themselves in this scenario.

But what about your employees on the front line of your business? What kind of conflict can you and your management team expect to deal with? In this post, we’ll explore the most interesting causes of workplace conflict that you need to know about.

Overwhelming Workloads

Every business can expect busier periods from time to time, but when companies lack sufficient staff numbers and resources for their employees to manage their workloads effectively, then it can leave many individuals feeling completely abandoned and even set up to fail. This can lead to resentment towards colleagues, management and the business itself.

Poor Communication

Whether it’s communication between manager and employee or between departments, when your business isn’t working communicatively, then you can expect conflict to arise. Misinformation, a lack of resources, or a complete lack of any information at all can lead employees to believe that they are being treated unfairly and put at a disadvantage.

Social Clashes

Having a diverse and varied workforce with a variety of backgrounds and experiences means that people can connect with others, learn more about each other and form positive relationships that are reflected in their productivity. Unfortunately, social clashes and difficulties accepting the differences or working approaches within others can quickly lead to heated conversations and conflict escalations. As a business, it’s important that the differences between your employees are celebrated and that you highlight that any discrimination or social conflict will not be tolerated.

Redundancies

The consultation process is something that no employer or employee wants to experience. However, management must know how to handle this event properly and legally, should it ever arise. Redundancies can be a major cause of conflict in the workplace, with anger, frustration and injustice fanning the flames. Businesses must seek legal advice and follow a strict consultation process that is fair and thorough to keep conflict and frustration as low as possible.

Final Thoughts…

If you’re experiencing concerns over workplace conflict within your business, then don’t bury your head in the sand, reach out to an experienced employment lawyer for guidance and support.