09.10.2008

Conflict in the workplace set to rise

Conflict in the workplace is set to increase as the economic downturn deepens, experts have warned. OPP, a business psychology company in Britain has warned that as workloads swell, budgets tighten and more jobs are cut , workplace stress levels will heighten, leading to increased disputes between colleagues.

OPP says that businesses could see steep rises in conflict as workloads increase, budgets shrink and stress levels rise. Meanwhile, a new survey in the UK suggests that bosses should offer more praise, encouragement and recognition to help boost staff morale during the current economic downturn.

A thousand employees were asked what single action their employer could take immediately to help improve engagement during the downturn. While a pay rise including bonuses or incentives topped the wish list, good management and leadership was high up on their agenda. The full list of ways to improve engagement during the downturn was ranked as follows:

1. Pay rise - including bonus or incentives
2. Staff party or night out, and food provided in the office
3. Praise, encouragement, and recognition
4. Reassurance about job security
5. Flexible working, reducing pay by reducing hours
6. Senior management that is involved, positive and honest
7. Communication
8. Dismissing other staff
9. More staff and training.

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