Conflict is part of our daily lives, and it can have a very negative impact on our relationships. However, well-managed conflict can bring about positive change. It has been found that 85% of employees deal with conflict at work at some point, and 29% of employees deal with it almost constantly.
The ability to communicate successfully is among the most sought-after soft skills in the workplace, whether you’re dealing with the differences or demands of your employees, colleagues, managers, suppliers, or clients. Conflict can arise in any organisation and in any industry – anywhere where people who have different beliefs, opinions and ways of working are sharing the same space! Whether it’s just two individuals or a group of people.
A conflict that is handled poorly, or not handled at all, can cause irreparable damage to your organisation’s productivity and reputation. Let’s focus on the following points.
Power dynamics in conflict are unavoidable
CIPD research has uncovered a clear power dynamic in workplace conflict. We are more likely to report conflict with our managers than other people we work with and more likely to experience serious consequences from that conflict and feel that it remains unresolved. Not only do people experiencing conflict need to feel their voices are properly heard, but outcomes are far more likely to ‘stick’ if the parties themselves develop them.
Early resolution is best
We know this, and yet we often brush low-level conflict and festering relationships under the carpet, hoping they go away. Avoiding conflict is a natural response, but there are times we must bite the bullet and address conflict constructively as early as possible. Although these conversations can be unpleasant or nerve-wracking, they don’t have to be difficult. The key thing is to have the conversation in the first place. The earlier you can do that, the easier it will be.
Structure, process, and culture can create and exacerbate conflict
Conflict is an inevitable part of working life. However, it is often created and exacerbated by organisational structures and processes and how they are managed and implemented. Performance targets, resource allocation, lines of management and organisational cultures that are unnecessarily competitive can pit people or teams against each other. This underlines the need for leadership to be more compassionate and inclusive and for conflict management to be a central consideration in organisational strategy. Without this, ad hoc initiatives and innovations will have little impact and, even worse, may seem tokenistic and at odds with the experience of workers and employees.
If you require conflict resolution training, then please get in touch today.
Why do we need health and safety in the workplace? Well, it involves much more than ticking the right boxes. It revolves around managing risks promptly and pre-emptively, not just ensuring you meet the minimum requirements. It’s about protecting employees so there are no workplace accidents, protecting their occupational health, your financial goals and your businesses’ reputation.
Why do we need health & safety in the workplace?
There are several laws and regulations that place responsibility on business owners and those managing health & safety in the workplace. They are there to protect employees’ health, Safety, and wellbeing.
If you don’t have health and safety ingrained in your business, it may end up costing you. We can show you the correct way to perform risk assessments to protect your employee’s occupational health.
As a business you need to adhere to the safety legislations and safety regulations of the health and safety act 1974. To avoid big fines, it is best practice to put in place a HR consultant to make sure this area is covered.
What is the most common risk to health & safety in the workplace?
Ultimately, the most common risk to health and safety in the workplace depends on the nature of the workplace. Different working environments will pose various risks, so the most common risk in one workplace may be entirely different to your own.
However, looking at the HSE’s health & safety statistics for 2020/21, we can see that:
822,000 workers suffered work-related stress, depression or anxiety
470,000 workers suffered from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder
441,000 workers sustained a non-fatal injury of which;
33% was caused by slips, trips or falls on the same level
8% was caused by falls from height
18% was caused by handling, lifting or carrying
With this in mind, we can see that some of the most common risks to health & safety in the workplace are:
Poor manual handling
This is one of the most common workplace health & safety risks. Handling heavy loads is an example which could result in musculoskeletal disorders such as repetitive strain injuries. Wherever possible, avoid handling heavy loads; however, when this is not, the HSE state that it is vital to consider with a risk assessment:
Individual capability
The nature of the load
Environmental conditions
Training
Work organisation
Our manual handling course can be a great way to keep employees safe by teaching them the correct form and is a legal requirement for any business where staff are required to to do any lifting, lowering, pushing our pulling.
Slip ,trip, and fall hazard
Slips and trips make up most health & safety workplace injuries, making them an essential risk to consider. To prevent injuries and accidents from happening, you should assess whether you are sufficiently ensuring these risks in your workplace are controlled. The HSE provide a list of recommendations:
Prevent floors from getting wet or contaminated in the first place
Have procedures in place for both routine and responsive cleaning
If a spillage does happen, clean it up quickly
If floors are left wet after cleaning, stop anyone from walking on them until they are dry and use the correct cleaning methods and products
Look out for trip hazards, such as uneven floors or trailing cables, and encourage good housekeeping by your workers
Make sure workers wear footwear and protective equipment that is suitable for the environment they are working in
Make sure your flooring is suitable, or floors likely to get wet are of a type that does not become unduly slippery
By following these guidelines, you are creating a safe working environment for your employees. Alternatively take a look at our slips, trips and falls training.
Poor mental wellbeing
Mental ill health could be related to stress at work or depression and anxiety. Regardless, taking into account your employees’ mental wellbeing and providing support measures can help those suffering. The HSE suggest the following ways employers can support their staff:
Produce, implement and communicate a mental health at work plan that promotes good mental health of all employees and outlines the support available for those who may need it
Develop mental health awareness training among employees by making information, tools and support accessible
Encourage open conversations about mental health and the support available when employees are struggling, during the recruitment process and at regular intervals throughout employment, offer appropriate workplace adjustments to employees who require them
Provide employees with good working conditions and ensure they have a healthy work life balance and opportunities for development
Promote effective people management to ensure all employees have a regular conversation about their health and wellbeing with their line manager, supervisor or organisational leader and train and support line managers and supervisors in effective management practices
Routinely monitor employee mental health and wellbeing by understanding available data, talking to employees, and understanding risk factors
Online health & saftty training
Providing your staff with high-quality and effective training doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. Get your safety procedures set up in place today.
Our online health & safety training courses offer a simple yet highly effective way of working towards compliance with current legislation. Ultimately not only does this protect your staff, but it also protects your business and its interests.
Businesses are constantly seeking ways to enhance productivity, streamline operations, and boost profits. However, amidst the pursuit of these goals, one critical aspect often gets overlooked: ensuring the health and safety of employees. Contrary to popular belief, investing in health and safety measures isn’t just a regulatory requirement or a moral obligation—it’s also a strategic business decision with significant return on investment (ROI).
The Cost of Ignoring Safety
Before looking at the benefits of prioritising health and safety, it’s crucial to understand the potential consequences of neglecting it. Workplace accidents and illnesses not only result in human suffering but also incur substantial financial costs for businesses. From medical expenses and legal fees to lost productivity and damaged reputation, the ramifications can be staggering.
Investing in health and safety isn’t just about avoiding fines or meeting compliance standards—it’s about fostering a culture of care and accountability that directly contributes to business success. Here’s how:
Improved Productivity: Safe work environments promote employee well-being and morale, leading to increased productivity. When employees feel valued and secure, they are more likely to be engaged, focused, and motivated to perform at their best.
Reduced Costs: Prevention is always more cost-effective than dealing with the aftermath of accidents or illnesses. By implementing safety measures and protocols, businesses can minimise the risk of incidents, thereby reducing insurance premiums, workers’ compensation claims, and legal expenses.
Enhanced Reputation: A commitment to safety sends a powerful message to employees, customers, and stakeholders alike. Businesses that prioritise the well-being of their workforce are perceived as responsible corporate citizens, which can bolster their brand reputation and attract top talent.
Compliance and Risk Management: Adhering to health and safety regulations isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about mitigating risks and safeguarding the continuity of operations. By proactively identifying and addressing hazards, businesses can minimise disruptions and ensure business continuity.
Calculating the ROI of Safety Investments
Measuring the ROI of safety investments can be challenging, as it involves quantifying both tangible and intangible benefits. However, various metrics can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of safety initiatives, including:
Incident Rates: Tracking the frequency and severity of workplace incidents over time can help assess the impact of safety interventions.
Absenteeism and Turnover Rates: Reduced absenteeism and turnover rates are indicative of a healthier and more engaged workforce.
Productivity Metrics: Monitoring productivity metrics, such as output per employee or downtime due to accidents, can reveal the direct correlation between safety and operational performance.
Harnessing HR Expertise for HR Excellence
Within organisations, the Human Resources (HR) department plays a pivotal role in championing health and safety initiatives. HR professionals serve as advocates for employees, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed. From developing comprehensive safety policies and procedures to providing training, online training, and resources, HR teams are instrumental in creating a culture of safety and well-being.
Moreover, HR professionals serve as liaisons between management and employees, facilitating open communication channels and promoting a collaborative approach to risk management. By partnering with other departments, such as operations and compliance, HR can align health and safety objectives with broader organisational goals, driving sustainable results and maximising the ROI of safety investments. In essence, HR’s involvement is integral to creating a safe, supportive, and thriving workplace environment for all.
Forging a Path to Safety
Prioritising health and safety isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a strategic imperative with tangible benefits for businesses. By investing in the well-being of their workforce, organisations can enhance productivity, reduce costs, and safeguard their reputation, ultimately driving sustainable growth and success.
“As business leaders, it’s time to recognise that the ROI of safety isn’t just a theoretical concept—it’s a reality that can transform our workplaces for the better. Let’s commit to building safer, healthier, and more prosperous organisations for the benefit of everyone involved.” – Edward Obi, Director of HR Hub Plus.
