Workplace Conflict Awareness Month is observed in April every year. The objective of the month is to shed light on an ever-pervasive phenomenon within American work culture and professionally resolve entirely preventable conflicts. Workplace conflicts cause an increase in stress levels and decrease the organizational health of any workplace. While conflict prevention is a continuous job, Workplace Conflict Awareness Month plays a very important role in pointing out the existing flaws in American corporate culture in a bid to improve work environments and employee productivity.
History of Workplace Conflict Awareness Month
Conflict has been an intrinsic component of human civilizations, it is virtually impossible to trace the first time a conflict occurred between two people. Workplace conflict — in the way we know it today — however, can be traced back to the existence of the modern workplace. Conflicts within the workplace, along with general complaints about organizational functioning have changed over time.After the Industrial Revolution, western society moved into the era of scientific management. Herein, any conflict or problem in the workplace was considered the employee’s fault — problems within the workplace were seen as a threat to the organization’s very existence. With the onset of the Great Depression, it became all the more crucial for employees to avoid conflict at all costs, lest they lose their livelihood.However, with the gradual introduction of the Human Relations Movement, workplaces began to turn into more nurturing environments and employee groups formed as companies began to realize that happier employees were more productive. Some problems were seen as the employer’s fault and the blame no longer lay just with the employee. Employees were now investments made to grow organizations. Today, complaints are now theoretically encouraged in the hope of identifying lacunae in organizational functioning. Conflict resolution, thus, forms an important part of organizations and their affairs.
Workplace Conflict Awareness Month timeline
The Industrial Revolution begins.
Work-family conflict is first studied.
The Scientific Management movement views human beings as cogs in a machine.
The movement begins viewing human beings as valuable assets to organizations.
Workplace Conflict Awareness Month FAQs
What are the six common workplace conflicts?
Six common conflicts include conflicts related to interdependence, leadership, work style, personality, discrimination, and creative ideas.
How do you resolve conflict in the workplace?
You can resolve workplace conflicts through effective communication and mediation when necessary.
What are the major reasons behind workplace conflict?
Lack of communication, scarcity of resources, and personality clashes often cause conflict.
How to Observe Workplace Conflict Awareness Month
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Learn about conflict resolution mechanisms at work
If your workplace does not have a conflict resolution mechanism you’re aware of, contact your HR department. Get to know more about it and what can be done in times of conflict.
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Understand the basics of conflict resolution
Conflict resolution is an important interpersonal skill. Read up on the basics and understand how you can incorporate them into your professional life.
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Share on social media
Help spread awareness about Workplace Conflict Awareness Month. Talk about it and share posts on social media.
5 Important Facts About Workplace Conflict
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Experiencing workplace conflict
85% of employees have experienced workplace conflicts.
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Time spent dealing with conflict
The average employee spends 2.8 hours a week dealing with conflict.
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Unmanaged conflicts
27% of employees have witnessed conflicts turning into workplace violence.
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Calling in sick
25% of employees have reported calling in sick to work to avoid conflicts.
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Stressful experience
Workplace conflicts are linked to higher stress levels.
Why Workplace Conflict Awareness Month is Important
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It highlights an important issue
Workplace conflicts are a major source of stress for individuals. Workplace Conflict Awareness Month is, thus, immensely important.
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It reminds us to hold our workplaces accountable
Workplace Conflict Awareness Month is a great reminder to hold your workplace accountable. Every company should have a solid conflict resolution mechanism in place.
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It’s a reminder to upskill personally
Workplace Conflict Awareness Month is a good reminder to work on your stress management and conflict de-escalation skills. Learn all there is to know during the month.
Workplace Conflict Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 1 | Saturday |
| 2024 | April 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | April 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 1 | Thursday |
