Posts: workplace conflict

The Fair Work Commission, in a recent decision declining to make stop-bullying orders, has provided some guidance on de-escalating conflict in the workplace which may seem quite obvious on its face, but is worth a reminder to employers and managers.

Employers have work health and safety obligations to eliminate or minimise psychosocial risks in the workplace so far as is reasonably practicable. These risks can often arise from hazards such as workplace conflict or poor workplace relationships.

Differences in opinion, dysfunctional relationships and disagreements between employees may occur from time to time in the workplace. Generally, these instances of workplace conflict do not amount to bullying behaviour, which is defined as repeated, unreasonable behaviour causing a risk to health and safety.