There has been a real increase in the number of people absent from work due to stress, depression or anxiety.
A survey by Simplyhealth (2022), suggested 79% of respondents had been absent from work due to a stress-related conditions.
What does this mean for employers?
There has been a rise in grievances and workplace conflict over the last few years. Not surprising, you may say, given how uncertain and volatile the world has become since the Coronavirus Pandemic. There is no doubt the world of work has been impacted hugely and the fallout economically and socially is still being felt.
However, it’s not all ‘doom and gloom’. We can, as business owners and leaders, help turn the tide on these stark numbers.
Building resilience in our people and organisations is one important way to stop workplace conflict happening in the first place.
Resilience, contrary to what many believe, isn’t about living life under a stone and never having to face difficult situations or stress. Resilience is in fact, more about having the capacity to manage those situations and come back from them. This is where employers are crucial in building this within their organisations. It’s not a ‘like to have’, it’s an absolute necessity if you want a healthy and happy workforce. Thereby, reducing the number of workplace conflicts and grievances which end up costing time and money as well as a lot of unhappy, unproductive people which further impacts the business as people leave and recruitment costs eat up valuable time and energy.
Afterall, people are your most valuable asset. Get your workplace culture and environment right in the first place.
People are your biggest asset, they have been through a lot of stress in the last 3 years, it’s an investment you can’t afford not to take.
Prevention is better than the medicine
Addressing the root cause, as the saying goes, is far better than treating the resulting illness. Some of the ways you can do this are by offering resources, assistance and a positive company culture.
Here are some suggestions, but there are many constructive and progressive actions you can take:
- Stress management programmes
- Promoting a genuine work-life balance
- Providing opportunities for skill development
- Recognising and rewarding efforts and accomplishments
- Providing training on effective communication throughout your organisation
- Reviewing workplace policies and procedures on a regular basis
- Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
- Creating a Mediation Programme
- Looking at flexible working arrangements
- Offering wellness programmes e.g. an Employment Assistance Programme (EAP)
Individuals, play their part too, and can build resilience in the workplace via self-reflection and self-awareness. Practicing techniques e.g., mindfulness, meditation, stress reduction exercises can also be beneficial. Pursuing professional support as and when is required.
But if a situation has developed, mediation is often a good starting point. It’s well worth creating a Mediation Programme within your company. This is something Taurus HR Solutions has experience of. It can open up communication and find a resolution to everyone’s satisfaction. We provide mediation services to employers of all sizes.
Being proactive to avoid workplace conflict and grievances arising in the first place really does pay dividends. Given the turmoil of the last three years, never more so.
But if you do find you need help with a workplace conflict, complaint or grievance, we can navigate this as a neutral third-party resource.
If you need help, with establishing a more healthy and positive work culture or a workplace conflict, do reach out to our team. We’re here to help you!
Get in touch
Would you like a free copy of our guide to workplace conflict? If so, please send us an email on hello@taurushr.co.uk and we will be happy to help.