Conflict at work: how to resolve it?

Workplace conflict can significantly disrupt the working atmosphere and friendly relationships among colleagues.

According to the Belgian service IDEWE, workplace conflicts account for more than 42.6% of the most reported psychosocial risks at work.

In the long term and if left unresolved, it can permanently threaten employee productivity and overall work efficiency. It is therefore important to maintain an optimal working environment. This is why knowing how to defuse conflicts within a team is valuable.

This week, Meet My Job gives you practical advice on how to handle workplace conflict!

1. Knowing that conflicts are inevitable…

You might think that conflicts only happen in companies where team cohesion and the overall atmosphere are weaker. In reality, you must accept that conflicts are inevitable within a company, whether the nature of the workplace conflict is significant or not.

Prepare yourself for conflicts to happen so that you can respond in the best possible way when the time comes!

2. Keeping a cool head.

First of all, it may seem obvious, but as a manager, when a conflict arises, you must absolutely keep a cool head. You need to stay calm to approach the problem serenely and not lose control of the conflict. Being aggressive toward either of the parties in conflict will only worsen the situation.

3. Reacting very quickly!

Next, you must react very quickly to prevent the conflict from escalating. If you delay in reacting or decide not to intervene, the risk is that the conflict will persist. It will become established over time, gradually increase in intensity, and durably alter the work environment. Furthermore, the conflict could spread to other members of your team and multiply the risk of crossed conflicts. The challenge is therefore to intervene quickly to maintain control and preserve the integrity of the team.