Discord between colleagues is not unusual. The average workplace brings together individuals from different walks of life, people with distinct characteristics, objectives, points of view and ways of doing things. Quarrels are bound to develop from time to time.
They can, however, have a significant impact on an organisation’s productivity, as well as on the health and wellbeing – physical, mental and emotional – of a workforce. In fact, new research conducted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has shown that nearly a quarter (23%) of workers in Northern Ireland have been involved in workplace-based disputes during the past 12 months and that their mental health was adversely affected as a result.
Unsurprisingly, the CIPD’s Good Work Index, an annual benchmark of job quality in the UK, concluded that those who encounter such conflicts are considerably less satisfied in their roles than peers who do not. Of the respondents who confirmed that they had dealt with employment-related tensions over the course of the last year, 12% reported circumstances in which they were humiliated or undermined. Elsewhere, 10% cited experiencing verbal abuse and the same percentage recalled being shouted at or involved in a heated argument. One in 20 (5%), meanwhile, had faced discriminatory behaviour.
In Ireland, HR Barometer Pulse results published every year by Adare Human Resource Management showed that 74% of organisations recorded workplace conflict in 2023, up 5% on 2022.
The impact of these situations can, of course, be mitigated. Responsible employers should do everything possible to create safe, healthy and inclusive spaces, which elevate management practices designed to resolve employee friction and disagreements. Inspire provides a professional and independent dispute resolution service, available across Ireland. This comprises a range of interventions, including: remote and on-site mediation; post-mediation support; independent facilitated assessments, feedback and recommendations for teams in crisis; team and individual coaching; and one-on-one upskilling or support for individual managers.
In addition, the Inspire Support Hub is also home to extensive resources relating to stress at work and relationships with colleagues.
If you would like to find out more about services and support offered by Inspire, please feel free to contact enquiries@inspirewellbeing.org.
More from our blog
Menopause and work
The menopause is a natural biological process. It occurs when your ovaries age and naturally produce lower levels of reproductive hormones. The menopause may have a significant impact on home life and work performance. This can be unsettling, particularly if a particular role carries lots of responsibility. The hormonal changes…
Understanding Stepped Care and its role in workplace wellbeing
The stepped care model is a fundamental part of Inspire's workplace offering. So, what is it and why is it so important?
World Mental Health Day
10th October is World Mental Health Day, a global moment to pause, reflect, and talk openly about something that affects every single one of us: our mental wellbeing.
Changing the narrative
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) takes place on Wednesday 10th September. It’s a day where we can all unite to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and take meaningful action. The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), alongside the World Health Organisation (WHO), has designated the 2024-2026 theme as ‘Changing the Narrative…
Self-care is prevention
In a world that often demands our constant attention and energy, Self-Care Day takes place on 24th July and is a powerful reminder that caring for yourself isn\'t a luxury – it’s essential. And summer, with its longer days and brighter skies, offers the perfect opportunity to recalibrate and reconnect…
Sip smart this summer
Alcohol awareness week takes place from 7th to 13th July 2025. Summer is made for socialising – BBQs, garden parties, weddings, and long, sunny evenings spent with friends or family. For many of us, these moments may include a drink or two. And while there’s nothing wrong with raising a…
Winter wellbeing 2024
The festive season is here and we’re keen to highlight some wellbeing tips for now and the New Year. Head into 2025 in the best possible frame of mind. Switch off Technology allows us to be constantly connected to colleagues, family and friends. That is often a good thing but…
Reflections on IEEE eHealthCom 2024: Insights, Innovation, and Inspiration in Nara, Japan
Inspire’s Digital Development Lead, Gillian Cameron, reflects on her recent trip to Nara, Japan for the IEEE eHealthCom conference. Last week, I had the privilege of attending and presenting at the IEEE eHealthCom 2024 conference in Nara, Japan. This annual event brings together researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss…
Mental Health on the Agenda at King’s College London
Inspire’s Policy & Campaigns Office, Matthew Coyle, reflects on his recent trip to King’s College London and the knowledge gained at the ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health’s annual conference. I had the privilege earlier this month of attending the ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health’s third annual conference in…
Healthy Organisations Commit to Person-Centred Wellbeing
Employment takes up a good deal of our time. According to the Office of National Statistics, the average UK worker spends over 36 hours in work every week; in Ireland, that figure is 38.5. On World Mental Health Day, understand the effect that wellbeing washing can have on workers and…
On World Mental Health Day, Here’s How to Avoid Wellbeing Washing
As we count down to World Mental Health Day on 10th October, Inspire’s focus is very much on our ‘Don’t Wellbeing Wash’ campaign. Wellbeing washing is similar to green washing, its arguably more infamous cousin. It describes a company or organisational ethos that focus more on the illusion of staff…
World Mental Health Day: Don’t Wellbeing Wash
World Mental Health Day (WMHD), which takes place every year on 10th October, offers us all an opportunity to gather and talk about mental health, demonstrating to everyone that this is a subject worthy of open, honest discussion and explanation. In 2024, Inspire is marking WMHD by highlighting the important issue…