Labour Dispute Resolution: Complete Guide For 2023

Labour conflicts can arise at any time and can have negative consequences for productivity, and employee morale, and can often affect the reputation of the company.

Therefore, it is important that organizations have effective strategies to address and resolve labour disputes in a timely and accurate manner.

A conflict can arise between two people, but if we don’t deal with it in time, it can have an impact on a work team and even more so can destroy your company.

As a leader, you are responsible for this not happening. You must be totally focused on the purpose of your business and allow your collaborators to be part of it, in this way the information will flow and you will be able to detect the problem or conflict to be solved in time.

Before addressing the steps for resolving workplace disputes, it is important to understand the underlying causes of disputes.

Common Types And Causes Of Labour Disputes + Examples

In summary, labour conflicts in companies can be classified into different types according to the actors involved, which can be intrapersonal, interpersonal, intragroup, intergroup, and organizational.

They can also be classified according to the causes, such as conflicts of values, interests, information, or relationship. And depending on the degree of implementation, such as structural, contingent, false, or invisible conflicts.

In the case of intrapersonal conflicts, a single person can experience negative emotions towards their own role, colleagues, or company. While interpersonal conflicts occur when two staff members are involved.

Intragroup conflicts involve more than two people within a group and intergroup conflicts can involve several groups in a company, generating the creation of factions.

Conflicts of values ​​usually occur when a worker’s values ​​are not aligned with those of the company or with those of other colleagues, and conflicts of interest occur when the interests of a worker clash with those of a direct colleague or with those of the company. own company.

In addition, there are information conflicts that originate from misunderstandings or a lack of effective communication that leaves room for multiple interpretations. And relationship conflicts are caused by the incompatibility of personalities, which makes it difficult for a smooth relationship between two people who need to interact.

Labour conflicts can be classified according to the degree of implementation they have acquired, as structural conflicts are those that are strongly established and almost systemic, caused by the generation of sides with high personal motivations.

Finally, there are contingent and false conflicts. The first deals with specific problems that can be easily solved with different alternatives, while the second shows a superficial problem, while the true conflict remains underlying.

Very similar to these are invisible conflicts, with situations where those involved are not even aware that there is a conflict between them, but it could be defined with a widely used phrase that could be quite descriptive: “When the two of them are close, the air could be cut with a knife.

How To Detect And Prevent Labour Conflicts Effectively?

Conflict resolution is essential in any type of business relationship. Whether between partners, employees, suppliers, or customers.

It is essential to have effective strategies to resolve conflicts fairly and to the satisfaction of all parties involved.

Below are some tips or advice for resolving conflicts at the partner, employee, supplier, and customer levels:

1. Active listening: As we mentioned before, in order to effectively address a conflict, it is important to actively listen to all parties involved.

Active listening means paying attention to what the other person is saying, asking pertinent questions, and expressing empathy. By actively listening, you can better understand the needs and concerns of each person involved in the conflict.

2. Welcome and/or corporate manual accessible to all parties (physical and digital) that can be accessed at any time of doubt and if it is also available in digital format, even better.

3. Mutual Respect: Mutual respect is essential in conflict resolution. It is important that all parties involved treat each other with respect and consideration, and that personal attacks or lawsuits are avoided.

4. Commitment to change: Finally, it is important that all parties involved are willing to commit to change. That is, they are willing to make changes in their own behavior or in the dynamics of the relationship in order to resolve the conflict effectively.

5. Incorporation of digital tools: There are very interesting digital tools that keep the team informed in addition to streamlining communication and increasing productivity, it can include different functionalities integrating and facilitating horizontal communication.

This type of collective conflict resolution meeting is one of the ideal moments to be able to propose and incorporate these digital tools seeking the agreement and commitment of all parties since they will definitely see it as a necessity and not as an imposition.

To avoid conflicts: When hiring staff, make sure you convey to the candidates what the objectives or goals are in your company or organization and the values ​​that sustain them.

How To Resolve Labour Conflicts In 2023? (Steps And Measures)

Resolving conflicts in the workplace can be a difficult task, but if you are here today, it is because you want
to end the problems. You are looking for strategies, means, or dynamics for the resolution of labour conflicts.

For this reason, we suggest you follow the following steps to achieve the harmony you are looking for in your company or organization.

Step 1 – Identify the problem: It is important to identify the specific problem that is causing the conflict, in order to address it effectively.

Step 2 – Listen and understand: Each party must have the opportunity to express their concerns and points of view without interruptions, and the others must listen carefully to understand their perspective or point of view.

Step 3 – Identify interests and needs: The parties involved must identify and communicate their interests and needs so that solutions satisfactory to all can be found.

Step 4 – Generate options: The parties involved, if they come together, can generate possible options to resolve the conflict. It is important that they focus on finding solutions that meet the needs of both parties.

Step 5 – Evaluate Options: Once several options have been generated, the parties must evaluate them and select the one that best addresses the problem.

Step 6 – Implement the solution: The parties involved must put the selected solution into practice and ensure that the agreed commitments are met.

Step 7 – Study results: After implementing the solution, it is important to evaluate how it has worked and if the desired results have been achieved. If necessary, adjustments and revisions can be made to ensure that the solution remains effective.

In conclusion, the steps to resolve labour disputes include acknowledging the conflict, listening to both parties, finding solutions through negotiation and compromise, considering mediation or arbitration if necessary, following up on the resolution, and taking preventative action. to avoid future conflicts. By following these steps, you can effectively manage any conflict that arises in the workplace and improve productivity and employee morale.

But this does not end here. Since there are also different techniques to resolve labour disputes that can help overcome the differences between the parties involved. Try using them whether or not you follow the previous steps:

a) Mediation – It is one of the most common and consists of designating a responsible person to facilitate an environment of dialogue and reflection that allows the conflict to be resolved, it can be internal or external.

b ) Facilitation – This is used for minor problems, allowing workers to agree on an agreed solution without the company intervening excessively.

c) Arbitration – It works in a similar way to a conventional trial when the conflicts have become entrenched and with a person in charge acting as a judge to hear the requests of both parties and what is best for the smooth running of the business.

Also Read: ChatGPT Is Transforming Businesses With AI In 2023

Resolution Of Labour Conflicts Between Partners

In the specific case of conflict resolution between partners, apart from the fact that many of the above tips are 100% applicable, it is essential to avoid misunderstandings and maintain a harmonious work environment, establish open and transparent communication, make sure that all the partners are aligned regarding the objectives and goals of the company.

In addition, it is necessary to foster an environment of trust and respect among partners, promoting scheduled meetings to actively listen to each other’s concerns and perspectives before making important decisions.

In Conclusion

To resolve conflicts, it is advisable to seek a win-win solution that benefits all parties involved. It is also important to establish a clear and detailed action plan, making sure to follow it in the letter.

Finally, it is essential to periodically review and adjust agreements to ensure that they remain valid and help avoid conflicts.