Handling Workplace Conflicts Effectively

Learning how to handle workplace conflicts effectively can create a better work environment for everyone. Workplace clashes are common in many businesses and industries. When disputes are not resolved, it can harm productivity and make good employees leave.

This LawInfo article has some conflict resolution strategies and tips. You might have legal options if the conflicts involve discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination. For more information about your rights in the workplace, talk to an experienced employment law attorney.

How Can You Handle Workplace Conflict Effectively?

Workplace conflicts involve any disagreements between coworkers or supervisors. This could include differing opinions, viewpoints, personalities, or work styles. Conflict in the workplace can be expressed through verbal disagreements, avoiding contact, or complaining about someone to other coworkers.

Try to address conflict as soon as possible if you identify a problem. It is easy to avoid conflict, but effective conflict resolution early on can avoid long-term harmful effects. Effective communication, identifying common ground, and creating an action plan can help in resolving conflicts.

If you still cannot manage the conflict, a facilitator or human resources (HR) representative can help with unresolved conflicts.

What Are Tips for Resolving Workplace Conflict?

If you want to stay in your job, you can use several tips to manage conflicts with other workers. Some problem-solving tips include:

• Identify the root cause of the conflict
• Arrange a convenient and private place to talk
• Use active listening skills to understand what they are saying
• Identify common goals
• Agree on ways to respond to future disputes
• Follow-up to review the success of the resolution process

Conflict management is good for a healthy work environment. However, you are not responsible for everyone in the workplace. If supervisors or co-workers continue to mistreat you, the company should address the problem team members.

What if Your Supervisor Allows the Harassment to Continue?

You may try all the teamwork tips and strategies. However, it doesn’t always work. You should not have to suffer a hostile work environment. At some point, you have to report the harassment to your supervisor or HR professional. You can detail the type of harassment, specific events, and use evidence, including emails or notes. If there were witnesses to the harassment, write down who was there at the time.

If you are being sexually harassed, discriminated against, or bullied at work, your supervisor has a duty to respond. If the employer does not take steps to prevent harassment and discrimination, the employer may be liable. As soon as you experience what you believe to be harassment or unlawful discrimination, bring it to the attention of your supervisor. This will put them on notice.

If your employer allows workplace harassment or discrimination, you can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC or your state worker’s rights agency can investigate your complaint and try to resolve the dispute with your employer. If the EEOC cannot settle the dispute, you can file a discrimination lawsuit against your employer.

When Is a Workplace Conflict Against the Law?

Workplace bullies can make your job a living hell. In some cases, the harassment may be against employment laws. Workplace conflicts can be against the law if they involve:

• Sexual harassment
• Wrongful termination
• Employment discrimination

You are protected by federal and state civil rights laws against unlawful discrimination. This includes discrimination based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and other protected statuses. Workers are also protected against sexual harassment in the workplace.

In most jobs, your employer can fire you for almost any reason or no reason at all. However, you can’t be fired because of discrimination or if you reported sexual harassment. This is wrongful termination.

Even if you quit your job, it could be wrongful termination if you were forced out. Constructive dismissal involves a hostile work environment that is so intolerable that you have no choice but to leave.

If you are being discriminated against at work or facing a hostile work environment, you may have an employment discrimination claim against the employer. An experienced employment lawyer can review your case and help you file a claim to recover compensation.