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How Ignoring Conflict Leads to Negative Consequences in the Workplace

  • Posted by: Ellen Kandell
workplace

Conflict can significantly impact businesses in various ways, ranging from operational disruptions to financial losses. Understanding and proactively managing these impacts can help businesses navigate conflicts more effectively and minimize adverse effects.

Ignoring workplace conflict can have several negative consequences, impacting both individual employees and the overall organization. Here are some potential outcomes:

Decreased Productivity: Conflict can distract employees, reducing their focus and efficiency. The stress and tension from unresolved issues can lead to procrastination and lower work output.

Low Morale: When conflicts are not addressed, it can create a toxic work environment. Employees may feel undervalued, unsupported, or unsafe, leading to decreased job satisfaction and motivation.

High Turnover: Persistent conflicts can push employees to seek employment elsewhere. High turnover rates can result in increased recruitment and training costs and the loss of experienced staff.

Poor Team Dynamics: Unresolved conflict can erode trust and collaboration within teams. This can hinder communication, cooperation, and the ability to work effectively together towards common goals.

Increased Absenteeism: Stress and dissatisfaction from workplace conflict can lead to higher absenteeism rates, as employees may take more sick days or mental health days to cope with the negative environment.

Damage to Company Reputation: A company known for having a conflict-ridden environment may struggle to attract top talent. Negative word-of-mouth and poor reviews on platforms like Glassdoor can harm the organization’s reputation.

Legal Issues: If conflicts involve harassment, discrimination, or other serious issues and are not properly addressed, the organization could face legal action from affected employees.

Mental and Physical Health Issues: Prolonged exposure to workplace conflict can lead to stress-related health problems for employees, including anxiety, depression, and physical ailments such as headaches or high blood pressure.

Addressing workplace conflict promptly and effectively is crucial to maintaining a healthy, productive, and positive work environment. Could hiring a professional mediator be the solution to conflict in your organization? Easily schedule a meeting with Alternative Resolutions with this online form to get started on your conflict management strategy.

Ellen F. Kandell is a certified professional mediator and attorney with over 30 years of public and private sector experience. She is one of eight Maryland mediators featured on a statewide demonstration video of good mediation practice. Ellen is certified by the International Mediation Institute.  She provides mediation, group facilitation and training to diverse clients in Washington, DC and the US. Get in touch with her via email, and follow her on LinkedIn, and Twitter.

Author: Ellen Kandell

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