Last updated on Mar 20, 2024

What do you do if unresolved conflicts are causing a toxic work environment?

Toxic work environments can significantly impact your well-being and productivity. When unresolved conflicts are at the core, it's crucial to take proactive steps to address the issues. Interpersonal skills are key in these situations, as they enable you to navigate difficult conversations and foster a more harmonious workplace. Whether you're a team member feeling the strain or a manager noticing the tension, taking action can transform a negative atmosphere into a collaborative and supportive one.

1 Acknowledge Issues

The first step in dealing with a toxic work environment caused by unresolved conflicts is to acknowledge that there is a problem. It might be tempting to ignore the tension and hope it resolves on its own, but this rarely happens. Instead, you should recognize the signs of toxicity, such as decreased morale, increased absenteeism, and a drop in productivity. By acknowledging the issues, you set the stage for open communication and demonstrate a commitment to finding a resolution.

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Sharon Cruse Armstead, SHRM-SCP

President & Work Wellness Consultant at Winning Wellness, LLC
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It is also important to discuss the effect of the conflict on others. The individuals must understand that their conflict is having a negative effect on other team, members and productivity in the work environment.

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2 Open Dialogue

Initiating an open dialogue is essential for conflict resolution. You should encourage everyone involved to express their concerns and feelings in a safe and non-judgmental space. This can be done through one-on-one conversations or group meetings facilitated by a neutral party. The goal is to understand each person's perspective and to identify the root causes of the conflict. Remember, effective communication is about listening just as much as it is about speaking.

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Mariana Avelar

Professora na PUC Minas Oficial
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Para uma comunicação assertiva e que enderece o conflito, é muito relevante que se faça um alinhamento do tipo de conversa que se quer ter: a conversa busca resolver um problema ou acolher uma emoção? A conexão acontece mais facilmente quando sabemos o que se quer comunicar.

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Sharon Cruse Armstead, SHRM-SCP

President & Work Wellness Consultant at Winning Wellness, LLC
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After having a one on one discussion with the individuals involved, I find it helpful to have each of the employees to write down their issues. This two-step approach to initiating open communication and becomes the focal point, which needs to be resolved. You can begin to find patterns of similarity as well as opposing concerns.

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3 Set Boundaries

Establishing clear boundaries is critical to prevent conflicts from spiraling out of control. You need to define acceptable behavior and make sure everyone understands the consequences of violating these guidelines. This is not about imposing strict rules but rather about creating a respectful and professional environment where all team members can thrive. Boundaries also help in managing expectations and ensuring that personal differences do not interfere with work responsibilities.

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Sharon Cruse Armstead, SHRM-SCP

President & Work Wellness Consultant at Winning Wellness, LLC
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It’s also important for the individuals to understand that if they do not participate in the resolution, then the organization will determine the resolution without their input.

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4 Seek Mediation

Sometimes, conflicts are too deep-rooted for the parties involved to resolve on their own. In such cases, seeking mediation from a third party can be beneficial. A mediator can provide an impartial perspective and facilitate a structured negotiation process. They can help bridge the communication gap and work towards a mutually acceptable solution. Remember, mediation is not about assigning blame but about finding a way forward.

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Sharon Cruse Armstead, SHRM-SCP

President & Work Wellness Consultant at Winning Wellness, LLC
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I agree that utilizing a third-party mediator is helpful for all involved in the conflict. However, I have brought in the mediator after initiating the aforementioned two-step approach to begin the process. I have also participated in the first meeting with the employees and the mediator to ensure consistency narrow the focus of the conflict.

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5 Implement Changes

After identifying the issues and working towards resolutions, it's crucial to implement changes that address the underlying causes of the conflict. This might involve revising company policies, offering additional training, or making shifts in team dynamics. Whatever the changes may be, they should aim at improving the work environment and preventing similar conflicts in the future. It's important to follow through with these changes to show that you are serious about maintaining a positive workplace.

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Sharon Cruse Armstead, SHRM-SCP

President & Work Wellness Consultant at Winning Wellness, LLC
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Documenting early in this process, that there must be immediate and continuing positive change in the behavior is imperative. Furthermore, it is important that the employees understand that their failure to be part of the resolution may result in disciplinary action up to, and including their termination of employment.

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6 Reflect and Adapt

Finally, it's important to reflect on the conflict and the resolution process. Consider what worked well and what could have been done differently. Use this reflection to adapt your approach to future conflicts. Continuous learning and adaptation are key components of strong interpersonal skills, and they will serve you well in maintaining a healthy work environment. Remember, conflict resolution is an ongoing process that benefits from regular attention and proactive measures.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Interpersonal Skills

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What do you do if unresolved conflicts are causing a toxic work environment?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Acknowledge Issues

2 Open Dialogue

3 Set Boundaries

4 Seek Mediation

5 Implement Changes

6 Reflect and Adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interpersonal Skills

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What do you do if unresolved conflicts are causing a toxic work environment?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Acknowledge Issues

2 Open Dialogue

3 Set Boundaries

4 Seek Mediation

5 Implement Changes

6 Reflect and Adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interpersonal Skills

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