How to Handle Employer/Employee Conflict

Managing employees can be a satisfying and rewarding experience. As an employer, you depend on your employees just as they depend on you. But it is common for misunderstandings and conflicts to arise even with the best employees. To handle employer/employer conflict, be fair to your employees and try to see matters from their point of view while keeping in mind that you ultimately have the authority to resolve the situation in any way you see fit.

Instructions

1. Complete the work that must be completed at the time that the employer/employee conflict arises. Do not let interpersonal issues get in the way of meeting deadlines and finishing tasks. Tell the employee that you will address the issue later. If he is unwilling to complete his work, offer him the option of going home and step in and finish the task yourself.

2. Ask the employee to give you his version of the events leading up to the employer/employee conflict. Have this conversation after the work has been completed, and after you have both had a few hours to step back and gain some perspective. Tell him how you see the matter, avoiding accusatory language while clearly communicating how and why you are displeased. Look for common ground such as a shared interest in doing the job right, and build on this foundation when developing a solution to the conflict.

3. Assert your authority as boss if you are unable to find common ground with your employee for resolving the conflict. State the issue as you see it, while speaking calmly and definitively. Issue ultimatums if necessary, promising that if the employee's attitude or performance does not improve, you will be forced to fire him. If you have experienced ongoing difficulties with the employee or if his behavior is particularly destructive, terminate him right away.

References

• Employer-Employee.com: Resolve Workplace Problems
• Jobs.co.za: Conflict Resolution in the Workplace
• Mediate.com: A Workplace Dispute Resolution Creates a Winning Team