Workplace conflict presents a big challenge for UK organisations, with an estimated 25% of employees – that’s a whopping one-quarter- experiencing conflict annually (source: CIPD). This doesn’t just affect employee well-being and mental health. It also imposes a not insubstantial financial burden, costing employers approximately £28.5 billion each year – that’s equivalent to over £1,000 per employee (source: ACAS). Given these figures, it is important for businesses to prioritise effective conflict resolution.

And this isn’t just an ethical nicety; it’s a legal obligation. As part of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, employers must assess risks that could lead to staff being abused, threatened, or assaulted in situations arising from their work (source: HSE.gov.uk) By focusing on good proactive conflict resolution strategies, organisations can mitigate risks to staff, and create safer and more productive work environments. Does this sound like something your business might need? Then read on.

The Link Between Conflict Resolution and Workplace Safety

Anyone who has ever spent time in a workplace will probably have observed how seemingly minor arguments and disagreements can sometimes quickly escalate into serious problems. At worst these can spill over into health and safety risks, increased stress, absenteeism, reputational damage, and even workplace violence.   

In England and Wales, legal and regulatory frameworks such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the ACAS guidelines set clear expectations for managing workplace safety and conflict resolution. These regulations, however, can be complex, and many managers and team leaders struggle to make proper sense of them. Often, they resort to Google searches or online forums for guidance, which may not always provide accurate or up-to-date information. By the time the HR team’s employment law specialist becomes aware of an issue, the conflict has often already escalated, making resolution more difficult and (often) costly.

Common Challenges Faced by Management Teams in Workplace Conflicts 

Management teams often struggle when handling workplace conflicts. Common challenges include diffusing tensions before they escalate, and navigating differing team management styles. We know that people have varying approaches to managing disputes and these may either de-escalate tensions or, conversely, exacerbate them. Good training can help team leaders and workplace representatives adapt to different styles (both management and staff) and work with them to nip problems in the bud  

A high-profile case study illustrating the consequences of unresolved workplace conflict is Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s departure from the British Royal Family in 2020 (yes, you read that right!) While we may not be sympathetic to wealthy celebrities, the more serious point is that ‘Megxit’ was surrounded by allegations of unhappiness, feeling ignored, and, more seriously, claims of grossly offensive conversations. This situation highlights how more effective conflict management between the employer, the Palace in this instance, and the couple might have prevented a highly public and reputationally damaging fallout. It underscores the importance of proactive conflict resolution in stymieing an issue before it takes on a life of its own.

Why Standard Conflict Resolution Training (normally) Falls Short – and Why Our Training Stands Out

Conflict resolution training is often generic and dull; something delegates attend under sufferance as a ‘compliance tickbox’ exercise. Solutions’ approach is different. Our training is interactive, relevant, and tailored to the specific team needs and challenges within your organisation. 

We understand that the key to effective conflict management is understanding where a person is on ‘the anger escalation ladder’. We explain this in our training, and teach delegates how to conduct a dynamic risk assessment and resolution skills (when appropriate) with the ultimate aim of a win-win outcome. 

Industry-Specific Knowledge Matters (A Lot!)

We provide real-life examples from people with real-world experience in your industry. We know that while workplace conflict varies by sector, human behaviour under pressure follows fairly predictable patterns. Our founder, Paul Meek, observed this during his lengthy career working with 999 teams. Solutions’ cross-sector expertise ensures that your team is equipped to manage conflict effectively within your specific business environment. 

Scenario-Based Training for High-Stakes Decision Making

Managers often face conflict situations where their choices may have long lasting consequences. These might include legal action and/or tribunal cases, or serious reputational damage. Our training is built around realistic high-stakes scenarios, which helps delegates develop the decision-making skills needed to de-escalate situations, protect staff, and ultimately safeguard your business. Poor conflict management leads to poor outcomes all around. Solutions’ approach ensures that your staff are prepared for even the most difficult workplace conflicts.

The Benefits of Solutions’ Tailored Conflict Resolution Training

Our training provides tangible benefits that strengthen teams and protect your organisation. These include:

  • Empowering managers and staff with the tools to make better decisions under pressure. 
  • Supporting a culture of positive mental health and psychological safety where employees feel heard and respected. 
  • Reducing the risk of employee legal action and safeguarding your organisation’s reputation. 

By investing in proactive conflict resolution training, you help create a safer, more resilient workplace while minimising risks and potentially unpleasant (and expensive) disputes.

Measurable Success: The Impact of Solutions’ Training

So why work with Solutions? We’ve been training teams for over 20 years and we know that our training helps deliver real, measurable results that improve workplace culture and reduce organisational risk. These commonly include:

  • Lower employee attrition. When your staff feel safe, supported, and valued, they stick with you.
  • Greater employee satisfaction. A positive and well-managed workplace leads to higher morale. 
  • Fewer disciplinaries and tribunals. Good, proactive, conflict management stops disputes from escalating. 
  • A dramatic reduction in reported abusive and threatening behaviour towards staff. Our training equips customer and client facing staff with the tools to defuse tensions quickly and effectively.

Our Training is Led by Industry Experts

Solutions’ training is delivered by specialists with extensive real-world experience in conflict resolution. Each of our trainers is OFQUAL approved, and professionally qualified in both conflict management and delivering conflict management training. This ensures your teams receive the highest quality training from experts who’ve ‘been there, seen it, and worn the tee-shirt!’ This is what separates our training from other providers who simply rely on books (or even other training courses) to provide the content for their sessions.

Effective Conflict Resolution is Critical to Workplace Health and Safety

As you now understand, unresolved workplace conflicts can lead to increased stress, absenteeism, reputational damage, and even legal action. Employers have both a legal and ethical responsibility to assess and manage workplace risks, including those arising from disputes and tensions. 

Investing in tailored conflict management training for staff gives you a strategic advantage. It equips your teams with the skills to de-escalate conflict, support colleagues, and create a positive workplace culture. Proactive conflict resolution leads to:

  • Lower attrition
  • Fewer disputes, and a
  • Stronger, more resilient organisation. 

Solutions’ expert-led training is an investment in your staff. Let’s discuss how we can support your team – click here today to find out more.