Workplace tension can quickly turn an office environment from pleasant to uncomfortable, even for employees who are entirely uninvolved in the conflict. Indeed, workplace conflict is bad news for everybody, hindering productivity, decreasing morale and increasing stress levels.
If you’ve ever been at the brunt of workplace conflict - or even bullying - you’ll understand how demoralising it can be. However, dealing with such issues without exacerbating them can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you cope with workplace conflict in a professional and constructive manner.
Keep Track Of Incidents
If a colleague seems intent on making life more difficult for you, having proof of their transgressions is a valuable advantage that will work in your favour. Bullies tend to disguise their behaviour around others so as not to provoke suspicion. You may find that your antagonist is tactful and strategic about their behaviour; as such, it is often your word against theirs. In this situation, keeping track of incidents is your best course of action. A consistent pattern of antagonistic behaviour demonstrates intent and can, therefore, be presented to the appropriate departments or individuals - i.e. your manager or HR - as evidence.
Talk It Out
If you feel comfortable and confident enough to do so, talking directly to the individual or individuals responsible for creating a hostile work environment can be a positive first step in resolving the issue. While this may seem challenging, initiating an open dialogue can help you understand the intentions behind their actions - perhaps there has been a misunderstanding, or they may be experiencing difficulties in their personal life. By addressing the problem head-on, you can allow your colleague to understand the impact of their actions and possibly change their behaviour before management or HR gets involved.
Speak With Your Manager
If talking it out doesn’t help, it may be time to address the issue with your manager. Managers are responsible for maintaining a healthy work environment and should be equipped to handle such matters. They may initiate an investigation into the situation, gather relevant information, and implement necessary measures to address the problem promptly and effectively. This may also inspire them to organise training sessions to help staff deal with conflict, bullying and harassment in the future.
Escalate The Issue To HR
Unfortunately, sharing your concerns with your manager may not always result in a satisfactory resolution to the problem. Additionally, the situation can become even more complicated if your manager happens to be the one causing the issues. In this case, escalating the matter to human resources (HR) is the best course of action. By keeping track of previous incidents, you can provide your HR department with the necessary information to investigate the situation impartially and take appropriate action.
Attend Training Courses
Training courses can be beneficial for numerous reasons. They can help you acquire the skills necessary for your role and equip you with valuable tools and techniques to improve your performance. Training courses can also help you effectively and professionally address workplace issues, such as bullying and harassment. For example, training for leadership involves enhancing your communication skills, which can help to minimise misunderstandings that may result in workplace conflict. By teaching employees how to navigate challenging situations, workplace training can foster a positive and productive working environment.
Be Assertive
Bullies tend to target individuals who they perceive to be vulnerable or weak, as they may believe these people are less likely to stand up for themselves or retaliate. They may also choose their targets based on other factors, including power dynamics, personal biases, or the desire to exert control or dominance. Either way, don’t allow yourself to be a victim. Standing up to a workplace bully directly conveys that their behaviour is unacceptable. Assertively but calmly express your boundaries and assert your right to be treated with respect.
Speak With Trusted Individuals
Confiding in trusted individuals, such as fellow colleagues, friends and relatives, can help to put your situation in perspective. Dealing with workplace conflict can severely affect your mental well-being and ability to perform your role to the best of your ability. Talking things through can help you cope with the situation and develop an effective plan of action. Trusted individuals can also offer opinions and recommend resources and services to help your case, such as counselling or joining a union.
