Resolving Office Conflict


Workplace conflict is a distressing situation for employees. 
Some people have developed skills for managing conflict and 
feel competent in doing so. Others are disturbed by conflict, 
and the troubles and negative emotions escalate rather than 
resolve. 

Some people tend to confront conflict through this 
repetitive cycle:  Calm ... building tension ... blow-up ... 
calm. 

Other people avoid conflict as much as possible, which also 
creates a negative cycle of behavior and emotion.

Conflicts do occur between individuals who work together. It 
is important to resolve conflicts so that employees remain 
mentally healthy, feel emotionally and physically safe, 
complete tasks and meet goals.

Occasionally, employees need assistance resolving conflicts. 
Employee Assistance Program staff offer a variety of options 
to manage conflict and change situations.

One option is a session mediated by an EAP staff member. 
This process involves individual assessment and planning 
sessions for all parties involved, followed by one or more 
sessions in which concerns are clarified, requests initiated 
and positive results outlined.  

Following are some of the major elements of the mediated 
session.
--Information shared in the meeting is assumed to be 
confidential among the participants.
--Each participant has an opportunity to express thoughts, 
concerns and responses.
--The focus is on resolving concerns and conflicts and on 
healing any relationship wounds and performance breaks that 
have occurred among participants.
--Participants are encouraged to take responsibility for 
their own actions, behaviors, feelings and concerns. 
--Effective communication techniques and a non-blaming 
attitude enhance this process. 

EAP staff explain the process and structure, facilitate the 
meeting and coach participants in their activities. For more 
information, contact EAP, 4-5069.


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contact: Charlene Gooch, Employee Assistance Program, (515) 
294-5069
updated:  5-4-95