In solving workplace conflicts, Human Resources (HR) departments have their own rules and guidelines to follow, some of which are actually mandated by law. Here are some ideas for conflict resolution in the workplace.
Steps
- Have the problem reported to HR by one of the employees involved or a supervisor. It can also be reported by someone who has simply witnessed the conflict.
- If there is someone within HR who is good at dealing with conflict, refer the issue to that person. Otherwise, another HR representative can handle the case. This article presumes you are that person.
- Hear both sides of the story from those involved in the conflict and, if possible, from a witness as well. In addition, get their testimony in writing.
- If the problem is relatively simple, it might be possible to achieve resolution right away. If it involves a personality conflict, it can be much harder.
- Decide whether it's appropriate for the employees involved to sit down together to talk it out with a mediator.
- Require dispute resolution counseling for both employees.
- Choose an option most likely to end the standoff. If the conflict cannot be resolved quickly, you have a few options:
- If one employee seems to you to be at fault, write up that employee.
- If both employees seem to you equally at fault, write them both up.
- Require one or both parties to take an unpaid leave of absence until they can come to an agreement. The goal is for both employees to work together and move past the conflict.
