Workplace Conflict Can Happen Anywhere

Workplace conflict and allegations of poisoned work environments can happen anywhere as a recent news story demonstrates. The Human Rights Tribunal in Ottawa, Ontario is currently dealing with allegations from several staff and managers of a toxic workplace and harassment in the workplace. Even in an  organization with a mandate to assist others in resolving conflict the ugly realities of today’s workplace can take hold. Nobody is immune from being exposed and drawn in to workplace conflict. The Executive Director of the Tribunal stated, “The issues are complex and go back sometime.” If I had a dollar for every time I have heard that statement I would be relaxing somewhere warm, sipping a colourful drink with an umbrella in it and not writing this blog. Organizations need to establish processes for dealing with problems when they are small and manageable. That’s right, before they are complex and go back sometime. Educational programs on conflict resolution strategies and communication solutions coupled with well documented policies and procedures to guide staff and management will serve to prevent many issues from growing into something that is difficult if not impossible to resolve. The investment in prevention of these issues will pay dividends well into the future both in terms of increased day to day productivity, reduced staff turnover and reduced investment in time and financial resources to resolve complex longstanding issues. check out the news story here