MANAGING CONFLICT
Difficult people issues arise even in the best managed companies. Have you ever been frustrated by an issue that you just found impossible to deal with? Or an individual whose attitude was all wrong? What about incidents at work that just get out of hand?
We recommend dealing with every issue early on, face to face (if possible), and in an open way. Sometimes you may have to resort to your disciplinary procedure but most times you’ll be able to address a problem before it gets unmanageable. If however, you find yourself in need of additional support to manage a particularly difficult situation, Blue Star Human Resources can work with you to minimise the risk to your business.
We can work with you to:
- provide support in applying your HR policies and procedures in difficult situations as and when they arise. These may include grievances against the Company; long-term health problems including repetitive strain injuries, stress and industrial injuries; approaches for managing both short-term and long-term sickness absence; processes to address harassment and bullying; management of poor performance and policies to help you manage issues relating to alcohol and drugs.
- ensure that your managers are aware of their responsibilities in managing these issues and are equipped to deal with them. This may include management training to raise awareness and understanding of what can arise on a day to day basis. Training may also be required in communication skills which are usually key to managing in difficult situations.
- understand when it is time to refer an issue elsewhere and seek specialist help eg legal, medical, counselling etc
- provide specialist support and advice on a case by case basis or when something out of the ordinary occurs. This may include helping you to manage conflict as a third party.
- identify issues before they get out of hand and give you the tools to manage them at this early stage.
- manage relationships with Trade Unions.
- provide support with high risk disciplinary cases including representation at employment tribunals.
- identify and manage issues that relate to personality differences or team dynamics and introduce tools and techniques that can help to improve things.