How to Resolve Employee Conflict

Do you feel like you've put your best foot forward at your job, but you're the least appreciated? Are you always passed over for a raise or higher level position? Are you least likely to be invited to an important staff meeting? When you do get the chance to come to company meetings, do you feel like your co-workers treat your opinions as though they're irrelevant or inaccurate? Are you tired of arguing with certain co-workers? Do you love your job but feel like you're getting a raw deal in pay or in position?

If you are having any of the issues above, the only way to eliminate them is to speak up. Communication is one of the key factors in any employment position. Your co-workers and your boss cannot read your mind. Although you may come to the decision that you're not treated fairly, that doesn't mean others will agree with you. The only way to resolve these issues is to speak to the person who can make some changes.

Step One: Create a chart clearly stating all of the issues you've encountered to make you feel the way you do about your position, employer or pay. You cannot prove a point without examples.

Step Two: Send an email or stop by your boss's office to ask for a one-on-one meeting. If the issues are not necessarily with your boss but with a co-worker, consider asking your boss or a member of Human Resources to sit in on this meeting to be a mediator.

Step Three: Clearly and calmly state your concerns. Provide the issues you are having and a suggested resolution. Be prepared to leave a copy of these plans with your co-worker or boss so they'll have the opportunity to read it over later. Sometimes when too many concerns come up at once, it's difficult to comprehend them all.

Step Four: Don't expect a miracle overnight. You can ask for a resolution timeframe, but try not to make it tomorrow.

Step Five: Decide what you will do if your concerns are not met. Do you like this job enough to stay even though your concerns have been ignored yet again? Do you need this job for the monetary gain? Would you be able to afford to leave this employer if there are no changes made? Do you have another job lined up or some type of work-from-home plan until you can get your next job?

Step Six: Act on the results. If you have stated your concerns, given your boss, Human Resources or co-workers time to make the necessary changes and they still don't do it, proceed with your plan in step five. If you choose to stay with the company or deal with employee conflict, chances are you will encounter this problem again and again. But if your employer cares about you as an employee, you'll know how much you benefit the company and compromises will be made.

Step Seven: Keep records of the reasons why you left your last employer. When you apply for a new position, more than likely the interview process will include why you left. Try not to insult your previous employer regardless of the terms because the next employer will wonder if you'll be a problem employee for them. Keeping records of your reason for leaving may be necessary to receive unemployment benefits as well.