Dealing with Employee Conflict

A growing problem in the workplace is employee conflict. It ranges in severity from just a verbal argument to all out fist fights.

If you are not proactive it can become not only an employee morale problem but potentially a huge legal issue.

Learn to recognize the signs of employee conflict early to avoid all of this and take steps to reduce the possibilities of it occurring.

Just one thing you can do as a pro active step is to set up employee team building activities. This gets everyone involved and hopefully having some fun together. It builds trust among them while easing the tension.

A book I have used is "Quick Team-Building Activities for Busy Managers" by Brian Cole Miller. They are quick and easy to use. I believe there are 50 exercises that he provides. Amazon offers this at a very affordable price. Of course there are many books out there that you can use, but I like this one.

In addition to team building exercises you need to make sure you are physically present in the work place not leaving it to chance that nothing will be happening. The old adage of Leadership or Management by walking around is good advice also.

Have an open door policy and live up to it. When they ask to see you don't put them off or continue working on your computer as they begin telling you their issue.

Take threats serious and do not tolerate them. If you recognize that an employee is threatening another employee, deal with it immediately. Do not delay.

Make sure you have a policy of no harassment of any kind. Any policies that you do establish make sure you have them in writing. I have provided information on this on my website. I encourage you to take a look at it.

Another good source of information is "Dealing with Problem Employees: A Legal Guide" by Amy Delpo who is an attorney. This is an excellent resource for you to review before something happens or God forbid, after. Amazon offers this in new and used additions at good prices. Check it out!

The last thing to put a stop to through developing a company policy would be Gossip. This is a huge conflict creator. If you want employee conflict just allow all kinds of gossip to float around your workplace. Do not tolerate it. Have a policy on it.

I hope this helps you out and I encourage you to check out my website and the books above.

Another great tool for professionals is the Ultimate Employer. Check it out!

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