1. WORKPLACE CONFLICT AFFECTS PRODUCTIVITY
New research by Fair Way into the extent of conflict in the NZ workplace found “within a 12
month period, almost a quarter (24%) of employees had experienced at least one disagreement
or argument at work that distracted or prevented them from doing their job. That research
suggests that the lost productivity is significant particularly as one third of the disagreements
lasted longer than a month”.
I am a professional Mediator and Facilitator and I also have a significant background in
Employment Relations. Having provided mediation or facilitated assistance in over 2800
situations of conflict. The research outcomes did not surprise me but clearly highlight the
need for more focus on assisting organisations to equip staff - in particularly their leaders -
with skills to manage conflict effectively.
Workplace conflicts are inevitable. We have different attitudes on just about everything and
our differences can lead to disagreements around: how to undertake a task, performance,
fairness, remuneration, workload, promotion, the way something has been communicated,
workplace change and like in all relationships, just about anything.
Conflict is a great opportunity for workplace engagement, good old fashioned debate and can
help in building stronger and more respectful relationships. Unresolved conflicts on the other
hand do not generally disappear; they fester away and affect your business and the Fair Way
research tells us that we have too much unresolved conflict.
How do you manage conflict in your business?
I run workshops for workplace leaders on ‘having difficult conversations” Helping leaders
identify when disagreements are emerging, and providing them with the skills and confidence
to get in at an early stage and get things back on track and resolved. Obviously conflict is
often easiest to resolve at an early stage but occasionally a resolution is not found and
mediation can help.
The word Mediator goes back to the Latin word Medius which means Middle. A mediator
stays in the middle, not on one side or the other but working with both parties to help them
find a way to find a resolution.
Exploring positions, perceptions and possibilities!
As a LEADR accredited Mediator and a member of the advanced panel of mediators I can
confidently offer assistance in any type of conflict and my practice covers employment,
family, commercial and community dispute resolution.
With a significant background in Employment Relations I also offer my skills and assistance
to businesses that need advice or support on any employment relations issues.
Wendy Kazianis: Director
www.nzemploymentrelations.co.nz
www.mediationz.co.nz 02102379341
Fair Way research:
http://www.fairwayresolution.com/sites/fairwayresolution.com/files/images/FairWay%20wor
kplace%20study%20booklet_AW-Screen.pdf