Workplace Conflict

Presentation By: Kathleen Mcinnis SanchezWorkplace Conflict

Hello, My name is Kathleen Sanchez and my presentation is on Workplace Conflict.

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Presentation AgendaWorkplace Conflict Defined

Sources of Conflict

The Affect of Conflict in the Workplace

Financial Impact of Workplace Conflict

Impact on Health/Mental Health

Strategies for Conflict Resolution

Conclusion

Workplace conflict definedWorkplace conflict is defined as a sharp disagreement or opposition of interests or ideas.

Workplace conflict includes any type of conflict which takes place within a workplace usually between co-workers or managers.

Anytime people work together, conflict is a part of the workplace.

Conflict is a normal and natural part of any workplace.

I think most of us think that workplace conflict is two employees having an argument. This does happen and is a problem, but conflict can come in many forms. Sometimes the conflict may be over a project that workers cannot agree on, and may need a mediator to help them come to an agreement. Its important to remember disagreements are natural, how its handled can make or break a workplace.3

Sources of ConflictPersonality Conflicts

Inadequate Communication

Different Values

Poor Performance

Workload

I have listed here some common sources of conflicts. When Personality conflicts occur its best to remain professional, unfortunately not everyone gets along. Inadequate communication will occur if the parties involved do not understand what the other is saying or there is a lack of communication. Every work place is made up of many individuals who see the world differently. Respect and understanding of cultural differences is key to work in todays workforce. No need to explain poor performance, everyone has worked with someone who does not do their work and tries to put it off on other workers. And the same with workload, I know at my job everybody thinks they are carrying the full load or perceive they are, which fosters negative feelings.4

The Affect of Conflict in the WorkplaceEmployee Morale is dramatically affected.

Workers may not be able to concentrate on their work assignments.

Become dismayed with their jobs.

Low Morale directly affects Productivity.

Low employee morale can prevent a business from reaching its goals.

The affect of low morale will slow or stop work productivity all together. Some people start thinking about looking for another job. The entire workplace may become affected which will ultimately prevent a business from reaching its goals, and affect customer service and customer base if left unresolved.5

Financial Impact of workplace conflictStatistics show low morale comes with a high price tag.

It is estimated that 22 million workers are disengaged due to workplace conflict.

$350 Billion dollars are lost each year in America.

Unscheduled absences cost businesses roughly $760,000 per year.

I think businesses across America must be on top of this problem to prevent their profits from being swallowed up by workplace conflict. Many companies offer conflict management classes for managers and employees to aid in resolving conflicts and team building exercises. With the amounts of money lost as you can see above it is no wonder businesses are trying to prevent workplace conflicts and foster harmonious work environments. 6

Impact on health/mental healthA healthy workplace can contribute to the well-being of its employees.

Excessive stress can manifest itself as depression, anxiety, anger, and weakened immune systems.

We all need a work environment that is safe and healthy.

Supportive environments encourage people to understand each others needs.

When a workplace is healthy, workers thrive and accomplish many tasks. Contrary to a healthy environment, an unhealthy workplace can cause its workers many problems including stress and health issues and even exacerbate existing mental problems. Workers spend a good portion of their time at work, so the environment should be safe and supportive.7

Strategies for conflict resolutionManaging Conflicts in the Workplace can be time consuming for managers.

The role of mediator comes with the territory when you are a manager.

Mediating a conflict is challenging.

The supervisor/manager creates the work atmosphere.

Its estimated that managers spend between 25 and 40 percent of their day managing conflicts. That is quite a bit of time where no work is actually getting done. Managers will try to mediate the situation. If the manager cannot handle the problem she will confer with the Human Resources Department. I think its important to point out that the manager creates the atmosphere in the workplace. He or she will usually set the tone for what is acceptable and what is not. 8

Strategies for Conflict ResolutionTips for Resolving Workplace Conflicts:

Manager ActionsEmployees Perspective/ActionListen, Then Speak OutOpportunity to State Their SideGather the GroupResolution That Satisfies EveryoneBe ImpartialFair and Reasonable SolutionDo Not Postpone MeetingAddressed in a Timely MannerPromote TeamworkTeamwork is RequiredBroadcast PraiseEncouraged and Motivated

Tips for resolving Workplace Conflicts as listed above can be a managers and employees lifeline to getting things back in order. Listen then speak out is as it states, let everyone get their say. Gather the group, depending on the issue, have a group meeting and come up with a resolution that will satisfy everyone. Be Impartial, does not need an explanation, dont take sides and remain impartial. Do Not Postpone Meeting, meaning act quickly and diffuse the situation as soon as possible. Promoting teamwork reminds employees the importance of working together. Broadcasting praise can spread goodwill, encouragement, and motivate employees in the right direction.

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Strategies for Conflict ResolutionManaging stress is important. Three out of four Americans describe their work as stressful. Workplace stress not only costs businesses a huge amount of money, but employee health may also be affected.

Communication is a crucial part of this puzzle. Without effective communication skills, conflicts are inevitable. Effective communication in every conversation is important in any relationship.

Managing Stress at the workplace and at home can be a hard act to balance. With so much of our time filled with work, chores, the needs of our children and so on, there is no wonder so many of us are stressed. Add problems at work and you can become overwhelmed quickly. Stress management may be one of businesses biggest challenges. And of course communication, effective communication is a crucial part to avoiding conflict in al relationships.10

ConclusionI have learned a wealth of information researching this topic.

I picked this topic because of problems I have encountered in the workplace, and never wish to re-visit.

Plan to use the knowledge learned at my current job.

I plan to handle any workplace conflicts that may arise in a different way, with a new set of tools.

Hopefully there will not be a conflict for me to encounter, but if so, I will be ready to diffuse it.

Its true that I have learned quite a bit researching this topic. I picked this topic because of problems I have had in the past, and what I see in many businesses including my own workplace. Many people feel helpless in a workplace conflict because the rules are so much different than if you were in a conflict with a friend or family member. Having the tools and steps to take can be a life savor for many. Now that I have the tools to avoid a conflict, Im sure that I could diffuse a problem before it got out of hand. I have given careful thought to how I will proceed with my current job and any job I may have in the future. More businesses/companies should initiate workplace conflict strategies in their training programs so that new employees will have a better understanding what behavior is acceptable/unacceptable, and what steps to take place if they are having a conflict they cannot remedy.11

Here we have two happy co-workers, high fiving and working in harmony. Thank you, I hope you have enjoyed my presentation.12