“Work Warfare” Costs UK Businesses £28.5 Billion a Year

  A new report from Acas  published in May 2021 found  that conflict at work costs the UK a staggering £28.5 billion a year, it’s an understatement to suggest that something needs to change. Add the financial cost to the psychological impact of ‘work warfare’ and you have a recipe for disaster, so how can we mitigate the consequences of workplace conflict? Unsurprisingly, conflict has a profound impact on our mental health (as well as our wallets), resulting in time off work, resignations and reduced productivity. The mental health impact of these scenarios is intense and far-reaching, affecting the entire workforce. It...

Continue reading

3 Tips for Managing Your Emotions during Disputes

A couple having a conflict on the street

We must keep tabs on our emotional temperature during a dispute to guard ourselves from acting irrationally or in a way that might harm the onset of negotiations. Ideally, one must gauge whether their emotions are currently manageable, starting to heat up or possess a potential threat of boiling over. If you too feel ambushed by your strong flow of emotions, you must take into account these few negotiation tips: 1. Develop an emergency plan Your emergency plan must be inclusive of a break or an 'out' that allows you to indulge in another activity to cool down.Step back from the heated...

Continue reading

What’s The Difference between Litigation and Mediation?

Rivalry

Conflicts and disputes can be resolved in many ways; these include litigation and mediation. But what's the difference? In laymen's terms, the easiest possible way to define the difference between litigation and mediation is the involvement of a court in conflict resolution. Litigation Litigation is resolving a dispute or a case by taking it to court (i.e., it's legally binding). The proceedings may be referred to as a lawsuit on legal grounds where the judge bears witness to the plaintiffs' claims against the defendant. Once initiated, litigation follows strict timelines and procedures, which can build a moment of direction paired with a...

Continue reading

3 Strategic Tips That Parties Should Consider When Mediating Disputes

workplace dispute concept

Conflicts can arise anywhere and anytime. They can be the result of differing needs, interests, opinions, or simply miscommunication. Letting things escalate to the point of no return is the worst thing you can do. Not only does it create an unproductive environment for the two involved parties, but other people are affected too. If you’ve decided to take the high road and work out your differences, here are three strategic tips that all parties—be it the mediator or those in conflict—can use to solve a dispute: 1. Keep your emotions in check Staying calm and controlling your emotions is the first tip I...

Continue reading

The Importance of the Role of Women in Mediation

mastering conflict

The role of women in mediation has been downplayed for years now. Social stigmas, biases, and unequal opportunities are the most significant obstacles that women have to face throughout their careers. According to Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security, only two percent of female mediators are involved in critical peace processes. This huge disparity is alarming, to say the least. Rarely heard and rarely acknowledged, in communities and cultures around the world women are often an afterthought in the peace process rather than active thought leaders and facilitators due to the changes that conflict can bring. Women in Mediation Research shows that...

Continue reading

5 Ways to Resolve a Business Partnership Dispute

Business disputes are extremely common. They can occur even between the most amicable business partners working together in an otherwise healthy work environment. Whatever the source of conflict may be, you need to resolve it before things escalate. Here’s how you can restore order and save your business partnership. Active Listening You’d be surprised to know how effective active listening can be in resolving business conflicts. The mere act of actually listening to the other person and trying to understand their perspective can work wonders. It can also help prevent or clear any misunderstandings between the two parties. When you engage in active listening, you opt...

Continue reading

Are Your Employees Unhappy? 3 Ways to Find Out

unhappy employee working from home

Did you know that more than half of all UK employees wish to get new jobs? In a 2020 report, it was found that 79% of British employees experience work-related stress, and are displeased, discontent, or unhappy at work. This includes employees working at companies with a positive corporate culture. Are your employees unhappy? Here’s how you can tell. Visual Signals & Body Language Visual indications of displeasure are obvious signs of employee unhappiness. From frowning faces to constant fidgeting and clock-watching, nothing says your employees are unhappy better than their body language. You may often find them staring into space, have disgruntled expressions as...

Continue reading

3 Ways To Resolve Landlord–Tenant Disputes

tenant discussing an issue with his landlord

Landlord-tenant disputes are more common than you’d think. They’re one of the leading types of property related disagreements, and can result in some pretty nasty conflicts that may blow way out of proportion unless they’re tackled sensibly. Here are a few ways landlord-tenant disputes can be addressed. Communicate Honestly You know what they say; good communication is the foundation of every successful relationship. That applies to your relationship with your tenant/landlord as well. One major reason why conflict arises between landlords and tenants is because of poor communication between the two. The landlord may not have been clear when outlining certain building policies, may introduce...

Continue reading