The Cost of Conflict in the Work Place

Conflict is defined as a difference of wants, needs, or expectations. The workplace is filled with people who have differences of wants, needs, and expectations. So, of course, conflicts will occur. These conflicts can be an asset to the organization. They may be opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and improvement.

But conflict can also be costly to an organization. The trouble isn't necessarily the fact that conflict exists. It's how we deal with those conflicts or what happens when they aren't resolved. The impact of conflict in the workplace can be devastating - to the parties involved, to colleagues and teams, to clients, and to the business as a whole. Some of the results of unresolved conflict in the workplace include:

   §  Stress, frustration, and anxiety

   §  Loss of sleep

   §  Strained relationship

             §  Grievances and litigation

             §  Presenteeism

             §  Employee turnover

             §  Loss of productivity

             §  Increased client complaints

             §  Absenteeism

             §  Sabotage

             §  Injury and accidents

             §  Disability claims

             §  Sick leave

        These symptoms of unresolved conflict are a significant cost factor in organizations.