Seventy-nine percent of workers in Quebec often or occasionally witnessed a conflict in their workplace in the last year, according to a CROP survey carried out for the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agrees.
The poll also shows 62% of employees believe their managers are inclined to resolve conflicts, while 38% say managers tend to turn a blind eye.
“It’s disturbing to note the increase of conflicts in the workplace and realize that so many managers still remain indifferent to them, especially since the situation has a direct impact on employee motivation. Executives would be well-advised to demonstrate leadership and create a positive work environment for their employees if they want their organizations to perform well,” said Florent Francoeur, CHRP, Ordre president and CEO.
Conflict frequency is heavily influenced by whether or not management takes steps to deal with them. Only 32% of respondents reported they had often witnessed conflicts when management took action to resolve them, versus 68% in cases where it took no action whatsoever.
Forty-nine percent of workers said certain conflicts had adversely affected their performance, compared to 70% in organizations where managers tend to do nothing.
“Conflicts are always a source of stress for employees. Whether they’re due to work conditions, poor resource planning or changes within the organization, the high incidence of conflict in our companies is unacceptable,” concluded Francoeur.