Most people spend a vast majority of their waking time at work, meaning that it's more important than ever to ensure that working relationships run smoothly. Once a dispute arises it can quickly escalate, leaving all involved convinced that an employment tribunal is the only answer. However, this doesn't have to be the case.
There are many benefits to conciliation and all efforts should be made to resolve disputes as simply and easily as possible - which the least amount of recrimination. The most successful solutions are found when both the employers and employee are willing to cooperate for their own best interests as well as those of each other.
For employers, the best way to stop problems developing is to catch them early - ensure that your colleagues and staff feel that they are able to share issues and grievances in a fair and open setting. But also bear in mind that some problems cannot be discussed in public, so ensure that there are also opportunities for private discussion and that you hold an open door policy. This reduces the risk of trouble being left to brew unnoticed.
Employees who find that this is not the case in their place of work may feel that they have no opportunity to express their grievances; however, this failure on the part of their employers doesn't mean that their voice must remain unheard. If you cannot speak to your manager or superior informally, then you can raise an official grievance. Employers will have their own grievance procedures so make sure you adhere to them so that you can make the most of your opportunity to share your problem.
If these measures are not enough to fix the problem, or if a working relationship continues to break down despite them, there are other steps that can be taken before an employment tribunal is necessary. For example, mediation services - where a neutral person works with people who have a disagreement to help them find their own solution and reach an agreement that will sort out their problem or improve the situation.
Likewise, conciliators, an independent party who discusses the issues with the individuals to determine their underlying problems and interests and explores possible solutions with both sides to a disagreement, can be instrumental in resolving problems at a relatively early stage. Conciliators can also be of use should a tribunal complaint be made, but if all avenues are explored it is often found that a solution can be created and the hassle of a tribunal avoided - to the benefit of all involved.
Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
