Workplace Conflict Resolution

How We Can Help

Workplace conflicts can arise from various sources, including differing opinions, communication issues, or competition for resources. Addressing these conflicts in a constructive manner is essential for maintaining a positive work environment. Here are several options for resolving workplace conflicts:

1. Open Dialogue
   Encouraging open and honest communication between the conflicting parties can help clarify misunderstandings and allow individuals to express their concerns and viewpoints. Providing a safe space for discussion can facilitate resolution.

2. Mediation
   Involving a neutral third party to mediate the conversation can help both parties voice their concerns while promoting constructive dialogue. A mediator can guide the discussion, ensuring that each party is heard and assisting in finding common ground.

3. Collaborative Problem-Solving
   This approach involves both parties working together to identify the root cause of the conflict and brainstorming possible solutions. By focusing on collaboration rather than competition, this method fosters teamwork and may lead to a mutually beneficial resolution.

4. Negotiation
   Negotiation allows the conflicting parties to come to an agreement by discussing their needs and requirements. Each party can propose compromises, ultimately seeking a solution that satisfies all involved.

5. Conflict Coaching
   Providing conflict coaching for individuals can equip them with the skills and techniques needed to navigate and resolve conflicts effectively. This approach focuses on personal development and can help individuals handle future disputes with greater confidence.

6. Formal Grievance Procedures
   In cases where informal resolution methods fail, organizations may have formal grievance procedures in place. These procedures involve documenting the conflict and submitting it to management or human resources for resolution. This option is typically reserved for serious issues that cannot be resolved through direct communication.

7. Team Building Activities
   Engaging in team-building exercises can help improve relationships and communication among team members, reducing the likelihood of future conflicts. These activities promote trust, understanding, and collaboration.

8. Training and Development
   Offering training on conflict management, communication skills, and emotional intelligence can empower employees to address disputes proactively and effectively. Equipping staff with these skills fosters a healthier workplace environment.

Selecting the appropriate resolution method depends on the nature and severity of the conflict, the relationship between the parties involved, and the organizational culture. Implementing these strategies can help maintain a harmonious workplace and enhance overall productivity.What is it?

Facilitated Restorative Processes are a set of bespoke processes co-designed in alignment with Restorative Justice principles and values. These processes put participants in a harmful event or conflict at the centre of the plan for what should be done to respond. Restorative processes ask, "How can we repair the harm and prevent it from happening again?"

We seek first to understand and acknowledge the harm, and then to put it right.

Restorative processes are values-based approaches to conflict and harm which prioritise respect, responsibility, repair, and relationship. All restorative approaches seek to balance the needs of all who are impacted by a harmful event or conflict through processes that preserve the safety and mana of all involved.

The Process

1. Meet with a facilitator privately and confidentially to talk through what happened, how you've been affected, and what a restorative process might offer towards repairing and preventing further harm. Sometimes a co-facilitation model is used, so there may be 2 facilitators involved. You are invited to bring along a support person of your choosing at every step of the process.

2. Work with the facilitator(s) to identify your needs for repair, and put a plan into place to meet those needs. Some example repair plan items include...

   • Emotional support through coaching and/or counselling options

   • Facilitated or supported dialogues, letter-writing support

   • Repeat prevention efforts; support strategising how to prevent reoccurrence

   • Planning support for harm mitigation

   • Tangible harm repair towards practical needs

Restorative Processes are primarily intended to help meet your needs. The process can be adapted in many ways to make it work for you.

You can review our terms of engagement here.

Requirements

All restorative processes are reviewed by facilitators and participants for the following requirements in order to proceed:

1. Participation is voluntary for all parties,

2. All parties take responsibility for the impacts of their own actions, and

3. No further harm is caused in the course of the process.

Note: Every step of the process is voluntary and confidential.

When can I use it?

Issue or Incident Response Facilitation

Sometimes you need an outside facilitator (or 2) to help you through an issue. Whether it is an ongoing issue, a specific incident, or simply a tough decision you need to make, we can help guide you through a restorative process to reach resolution.

Restorative processes can be helpful at any stage of a conflict or incident - from the initial response through to the post-investigation stage, they are designed to support you to meet your needs for repair and prevention.