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Work Resolve Has Launched: Practical Support When Work Becomes Difficult
Work can be an important part of our lives, but when something goes wrong at work, knowing what to do next is not always straightforward.
A difficult relationship with a manager or colleague, a breakdown in communication, a workplace complaint, a disciplinary process, concerns about reasonable adjustments or uncertainty about a redundancy or appeal can leave people unsure about where to turn.
That is why Work Resolve has been created.
A different kind of workplace support
Work Resolve provides independent, practical workplace support and guidance for both employees and employers.
The idea behind Work Resolve is simple: sometimes, before a workplace problem becomes a formal dispute or escalates further, people need an opportunity to step back, talk through what is happening and understand their options.
Work Resolve provides that opportunity.
Led by Steven Wylie, Work Resolve takes a practical and people-focused approach. Rather than making assumptions or immediately telling someone what they should do, the aim is to understand the circumstances, identify the issues involved and explore sensible ways forward.
The approach is:
Listen. Understand. Explore. Resolve.
What can Work Resolve help with?
Workplace problems can take many different forms, and they do not always fit neatly into one category.
Work Resolve can provide practical support in situations involving:
Workplace conflict
Difficult relationships with colleagues or managers
Communication difficulties
Grievances and workplace complaints
Disciplinary matters
Performance-related concerns
Reasonable adjustments
Redundancy situations
Appeals
Suspension
Discrimination concerns
Difficult workplace conversations
Situations where early intervention may help prevent matters from becoming more complicated
If you are unsure what category your situation falls into, that is not necessarily a problem. An initial consultation provides an opportunity to explain what is happening and explore what type of support may be appropriate.
When a workplace issue becomes difficult
One of the reasons workplace problems can become so difficult is that it is not always clear where one problem ends and another begins.
A disagreement with a colleague might develop into an ongoing workplace conflict.
A communication problem with a manager might eventually result in a formal complaint.
An employee facing a disciplinary process may be unsure how to respond or prepare.
Someone who needs a reasonable adjustment may not know how best to communicate their concerns.
An organisational change may leave an employee facing redundancy and uncertain about what happens next.
These situations can feel very different, but there is a common thread: knowing what to do next can be difficult when you are directly involved in the situation.
An independent perspective can sometimes help bring clarity.
Support for employees
For employees, Work Resolve provides somewhere to talk through difficult workplace circumstances without having to work everything out alone.
You might be experiencing conflict with a colleague or manager, struggling with a difficult working relationship, preparing for a difficult conversation or trying to understand how to approach a workplace concern.
You may also be dealing with a more formal process.
Work Resolve can provide practical support around areas such as disciplinary matters, grievances, reasonable adjustments, redundancy, appeals and other workplace issues.
The purpose is not to take over the situation. It is to help you understand what is happening, consider the options available and communicate your position clearly and constructively.
Support for employers
Workplace difficulties are not only challenging for employees.
Employers and managers can also find themselves dealing with difficult relationships, communication breakdowns, employee concerns, complaints or situations where it is unclear what the most constructive next step should be.
Early intervention can sometimes provide an opportunity to address concerns before they develop into more formal workplace processes.
Work Resolve can provide an independent perspective, help clarify the circumstances and support employers in considering how best to approach a difficult situation.
The aim is not to take sides. It is to understand the circumstances, identify the issues involved and explore a constructive way forward.
What if conflict is already developing?
Not every workplace disagreement requires formal action. Sometimes the most useful first step is to understand what is actually happening and whether the situation might be addressed through communication, facilitated discussion or another form of practical support.This is where Workplace Conflict Resolution may be relevant. Where appropriate, Workplace Mediation can provide a structured opportunity for people involved in a disagreement to communicate, understand different perspectives and work towards an agreed way forward. Mediation is not necessarily appropriate for every situation, which is why understanding the circumstances first is important.
Why early support matters
People often seek help when a workplace situation has already become serious but you do not necessarily have to wait until a situation reaches that point.
An independent conversation at an earlier stage may help you understand what is happening, prepare for a difficult discussion, organise your thoughts or consider whether further support is appropriate.
Sometimes, simply having the opportunity to explain the situation to someone independent can help make the next step clearer.
That is the principle behind Work Resolve.
A place to start when you are not sure what to do next
You do not need to have all the answers before contacting Work Resolve.
You do not necessarily need to know whether you need mediation, conflict resolution, support with a grievance or help preparing for a disciplinary meeting.
You can simply explain what is happening.
The initial consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your circumstances, explore the options available and consider what practical support may be appropriate. There is no obligation to continue with Work Resolve after the consultation.
Work Resolve does not provide legal advice or legal representation. Where a situation requires specialist legal advice, you may be advised to seek assistance from a suitably qualified legal professional.
The purpose of Work Resolve is different: to provide independent, practical workplace support and help people understand their situation and consider a constructive way forward.
Work Resolve: Listen. Understand. Explore. Resolve.
Workplace problems are ultimately about people. Whether you are an employee trying to understand what to do next or an employer trying to address a difficult situation constructively, having an independent perspective can sometimes make the situation easier to navigate. Work Resolve has been created to provide that space.
If something at work is becoming difficult, you do not have to know exactly what the answer is before you make contact.
Sometimes the first step is simply to talk it through.
Work Resolve — Your workplace has HR. You have Work Resolve.
