The situation

Two people working within the same organisation had developed an increasingly difficult working relationship.

What may have started as relatively minor disagreements had gradually become a pattern of strained communication. Conversations were becoming harder, misunderstandings were increasing and the situation was beginning to affect the wider working environment.

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Neither side wanted the situation to become a formal dispute, but neither could see an obvious way forward.

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The challenge

Workplace conflict does not always begin with one major incident.

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Sometimes it develops gradually through misunderstandings, differences in communication styles, competing expectations or unresolved frustrations. Left alone, these situations can become increasingly difficult to manage.

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The challenge was to understand what was actually driving the conflict and find a constructive way to address it before the situation became more formal.

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The Work Resolve approach

Work Resolve took an independent, practical approach to the situation.

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Rather than focusing on who was right or wrong, attention was given to the underlying issues, the impact of the situation on the working relationship and what each person needed in order to move forward.

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The emphasis was on constructive communication and early intervention.

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Depending on the circumstances, this type of support can involve helping someone prepare for a difficult conversation, facilitating communication between people or considering whether a more formal workplace mediation or conflict-resolution process is appropriate.

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The outcome

The situation was given the opportunity to be addressed before it became a more serious formal workplace issue.

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By stepping back from the immediate disagreement and looking at the underlying problem, it became possible to identify a more constructive way forward.

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What this case demonstrates

Workplace conflict does not necessarily have to end in a grievance, disciplinary process or employment tribunal.

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Getting independent support early can provide an opportunity to understand what is happening, improve communication and explore practical solutions before relationships and working environments deteriorate further.

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If a workplace relationship has become difficult, addressing it early may make all the difference.

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Your Workplace Has HR. You Have Work Resolve.

Your employer may have HR, internal procedures and people you can speak to but sometimes you want an independent perspective from someone outside your workplace.

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Work Resolve provides practical workplace support for employees and employers who need someone to talk things through with.

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Not your employer's HR.

Not a law firm.

An independent perspective when you need one.

 

Could Work Resolve Help With Your Situation?

You don't need to know exactly what support you need before making contact.

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An initial consultation provides an opportunity to explain what is happening, talk through your concerns and explore what options may be appropriate.

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Initial Consultation – £95

A 45-minute confidential consultation to talk through your workplace situation and consider your options.

There is no obligation to continue with Work Resolve after the initial consultation.

Your Workplace Has HR. You Have Work Resolve.
Your employer may have HR, internal procedures and people you can speak to but sometimes you want an independent perspective from someone outside your workplace.

Work Resolve provides practical workplace support for employees and employers who need someone to talk things through with.

Not your employer's HR.
Not a law firm.
An independent perspective when you need one.
 

Could Work Resolve Help With Your Situation?
You don't need to know exactly what support you need before making contact.
An initial consultation provides an opportunity to explain what is happening, talk through your concerns and explore what options may be appropriate.

Initial Consultation – £95
A 45-minute confidential consultation to talk through your workplace situation and consider your options.
There is no obligation to continue with Work Resolve after the initial consultation.​