(From the ACAS website)Workplace conflict – the organisational costs:
• the risk of time-consuming formal proceedings such as grievances and employment tribunal claims
• sickness absence costs as the individuals concerned take time off to deal personally with the effects of the conflict
• management time being diverted to dealing with the conflict instead of focusing on managing the business
• staff turnover and recruitment and re-training costs where conflict leads to the departure of those affected from the organisation
• lower staff morale leading to less commitment to exerting discretionary effort, leading to lower productivity
• poor working relationships within the teams affected
• loss of focus on corporate goals and common objectives as people are distracted by the disagreement
• the potential for a blame culture to develop, rather than one focused on innovation
• the employer’s external reputation could be compromised
Mediation
