Joy Arkley of the HR Dept West Wales cuts to the chase when it comes to Human Resource issues and this time it is the thorny issue of disharmony in the workplace
So as the Boss or Manager what do you do when two colleagues are at each other's throat?
Equally so, bashing heads together might not be the best answer. Left to fester, it can create a hostile and difficult working environment for everyone, whether in a small business, department or building. Therefore it is vital for employers and/or managers to know how and when to step in and sort out issues that could potentially cause a lot of harm to the business. Here is an example of a situation we recently came across and advised accordingly:
Scenario: Two of my staff members really don’t get on, and I’m finding that I’m getting caught in the middle of their antagonism towards each other. I don’t want to get rid of either of them, but I’m at the stage where I feel I have no choice as it is affecting my customers. Do you have any advice on how to deal with this situation?
Answer: Bad atmospheres and attitude can be contagious, so tackle the issue now..
Call them into a meeting and explain how their behaviour is impacting on work, their colleagues and you and that you are not going to allow this to continue. To improve the situation, hold individual meetings with them to try to understand the cause of their antagonism, and then all meet together to agree a positive way forward. Remind them that these meetings will be confidential and they must not involve other staff at all.
Meet again together and discuss the key issues. Try to get them to understand the impact of their behaviour on the other without saying who is right or wrong. Put the agreed action plan in writing to both and set a review date. Stress that breaches of this agreed code of conduct will result in a disciplinary action. The situation won’t magically improve overnight, but hopefully they can learn to respect each other, and you, within the workplace.
If the Olympics has taught us anything, it is that we build a stronger brand by being in a team with mutual respect heading in an agreed direction, therefore a delay in action could result in much deeper and painful consequences for all concerned.
Joy Arkley has many years experience in all aspects of Human Resources and there is not much she has not seen, heard or dealt with when it comes to Employer and employee relations. So give Joy at the HR Dept West Wales call now for a free HR Audit on 01239 639 128
