How to Handle Internal Conflict Resolution in the Workplace?
How to Handle Internal Conflict Resolution in the Workplace?
By Shelley Brown, CHRE, FHRPA
Conflict resolution in the workplace is a must. However, given that 72% of organizations don't have a formal conflict resolution policy, most employees don't have the structure to manage issues when they arise. This situation can create a lot of potential problems for employers. Workers need to have a clear process for what to do if conflict arises (and it will). Here, we’ll talk about how organizations should handle internal conflict resolution in the workplace.
In this blog:
- Why is conflict resolution in the workplace important?
- What is a manager’s role in internal conflict?
- When should a manager intervene in a conflict among employees?
- What are some conflict resolution strategies?
Why is conflict resolution in the workplace important?
Solving conflicts as soon as possible is essential. It can not only re-establish positive morale but also boost productivity, improve retention, promote fairness, and minimize financial costs. Here are 10 reasons conflict resolution plans are vital to your success:
1. A conflict resolution plan can save your company money
Solving problems quickly will save you money. One survey found that workers spend approximately two hours per week resolving conflicts. It estimates that employers are losing $3,216.63 per employee per year in productivity.
2. Improve collaboration and teamwork
When conflicts are addressed constructively, employees are more likely to work together effectively and trust one another. You can get back to business as usual.
3. Reduced stress
Unresolved issues can lead to frustration, burnout, and eventually people leaving their jobs. Tackling conflicts early helps retain talent and maintain morale. 53% of employees said they feel stressed due to workplace conflict. 45% reported sickness or absence from work.
4. Boosts productivity
Disputes and tension can be distracting and slow down progress. 18% of people witnessed project failures as a direct result. A healthy resolution keeps teams focused on goals rather than problems.
5. Strengthens communication
Conflict resolution encourages open dialogue and helps employees develop better communication skills, which can prevent issues in the future.
6. Encourages innovation and problem-solving
Differences in opinions can lead to creative ideas, as long as they’re handled respectfully.
7. Promotes fairness and a positive culture
A workplace where conflicts are addressed fairly makes employees feel valued and heard, contributing to a stronger organizational culture.
8. Reduces legal and HR risks
Ignoring conflicts can turn minor situations into harassment claims, grievances, or legal issues. Proactive conflict resolution helps prevent these risks.
9. It hurts morale
Conflict can take a toll on those affected. 88% have witnessed poor morale among employees affected by conflict.
10. It helps boost retention
People are more likely to leave if they work in a combative atmosphere. Workplace conflict led to 23% of employees choosing to leave their jobs.
What is a manager’s role in internal conflict?
Management plays a critical role in addressing and handling internal conflict in the workplace. Their approach will have a direct impact on how others deal with challenging situations. Generally, a manager's main responsibility is to help ensure disputes are handled fairly, quickly, and constructively. Here’s what their role typically includes:
1. Identifying conflicts early: Stay aware of team dynamics and recognize tension or issues before they escalate.
2. Creating a safe environment for communication: Encourage open dialogue where employees feel comfortable voicing concerns.
3. Facilitating conflict resolution: Be a mediator. Guide discussions, clarify misunderstandings, and help employees find common ground.
4. Providing guidance and support: Help team members develop conflict resolution skills, offering coaching, feedback, or training as needed.
5. Making decisions when necessary: If employees cannot resolve the issue independently, managers may need to make the final call to keep work moving forward.
6. Enforce HR policies: Enforce HR policies related to conduct, communication, and dispute resolution to prevent issues from escalating into larger problems.
When should a manager intervene in a conflict among employees?
A manager should intervene in internal conflict when the issue starts to affect people, productivity, or the overall workplace environment. Not every disagreement requires management involvement.
Certain warning signs indicate it’s time to step in. Intervention becomes necessary when the conflict becomes disruptive. For example, if work quality, communication, or collaboration is suffering, it’s a clear signal to address the issue.
Managers should also act when team morale is affected, as visible tension, stress, or negativity among employees can quickly spread and damage the workplace culture.
When disagreements turn personal or result in disrespectful behaviour, immediate action is required to maintain professionalism and respect.
Any conflict that involves violations of workplace policies, such as harassment, discrimination, aggression, or bullying, requires immediate attention to protect all parties involved. This includes safety or legal concerns, including any risk to employee well-being or potential liability.
What are some conflict resolution strategies?
Engage early to prevent escalation
Addressing conflict promptly keeps small disagreements from turning into larger disputes. Early intervention allows managers and employees to clarify misunderstandings, correct assumptions, and work through issues before they negatively affect morale or productivity.
Develop awareness to navigate different situations effectively
Everyone approaches conflict differently. Some may avoid it, while others address it head-on. Understanding your own conflict style, as well as the styles of others, helps adjust your approach to each situation.
Have emotional and cultural awareness
Successful conflict resolution requires strong emotional intelligence. Cultural awareness also plays a key role, as diverse backgrounds can influence communication styles and expectations. Leaders who develop these competencies can better bridge differences and foster inclusive, respectful dialogue.
Use compassionate communication
Active listening, open-ended questions, and validating feelings help individuals feel fully understood. By creating a safe space for open conversation, misunderstandings can be cleared up and solutions reached more collaboratively. Compassionate communication reduces defensiveness and encourages everyone to participate in the resolution process.
Focusing on the problem, not the person
Keeping the conversation solution-oriented ensures that issues are addressed without placing blame. When the focus remains on shared goals, teams can move forward together rather than dwelling on past mistakes. This mindset supports healthier relationships and long-term solutions.
A final word about workplace conflict resolution
Conflict resolution is an essential part of a healthy and productive workplace. Without a clear policy or process in place, unresolved issues can quickly escalate, leading to stress, low morale, decreased productivity, and even turnover.
Managers play a vital role in recognizing conflicts early, facilitating open communication, and ensuring that all employees feel heard and respected.
By engaging in proactive strategies, organizations can create an environment where challenges are resolved constructively. Check out our
management and leadership training programs
to get more conflict resolution strategies.
Author Shelley Brown, CHRE, FHRPA is a HR veteran and lead trainer of AugmentHR’s soft skills training program. Shelley was granted the Human Resources Professional Association Fellow Award in recognition of her 30 year career both leading functions in multi-nationals and coaching businesses as a sought-after HR consultant.
More on How to Handle Conflict in the Workplace
> What Constitutes a ‘Toxic Work Environment’?
> Good Employee Relations Meaning & Examples
> What Are The Guidelines Around Workplace Relationships?
