Conflict is an inevitable aspect of human experience. We’re all like those porcupines, trying to find a comfortable way to be with one another but sometimes we can poke each other. When left unaddressed, conflicts can escalate, leading to decreased morale, impaired productivity, and strained relationships. This is why every workplace should have a well-defined conflict management process in place. The best way to transform conflict is to be preemptive about it and give your employees a road-map and a step-by-step of how your company deals with conflict. 

At Parable, we examine your Conflict Management Policy and work together with you to create one from scratch. We will show you the best practices within the industry and help you implement a step-by-step procedure to address any gaps in the process. 

Preemptive approach

If there’s a structured approach in place, organizations can address conflicts before they intensify and disrupt the work environment. Employees feel empowered to voice their concerns and have confidence that the organization will take appropriate action to resolve the issues, because the steps are all transparently laid out for them in policy. 

Communication and Collaboration

And I cannot stress this enough, a well-defined and transparent conflict management process fosters greater communication and collaboration among employees. There will be scaffolding that will help employees with open dialogue and active listening; information flows more openly from employees to their supervisors and therefore chances of being surprised by a major conflict is eliminated. 

Employee Morale & Empowerment

When employees perceive that their concerns are being taken seriously and addressed through a conflict management process, it leads to increased engagement and job satisfaction. Employees feel valued and supported, leading to higher motivation, improved morale, and a greater commitment to the organization. In addition, employees are not left wondering what they must do when conflict inevitably comes up with their teammates or their manager, which often results in stress and anxiety for individuals. Knowing the path, lessens those stressors and empowers individuals to take actions more readily. 

Remember, implementing a well-defined conflict management process demonstrates an organization's commitment to the well-being of its employees and paves the way for increased engagement, job satisfaction, and overall success.