The Top 10 Causes Of Workplace Conflict And How To Avoid Them

By BenOni | February 23, 2023

Workplace conflict is an inevitable part of doing business. Whether it’s between two employees or an employee and a manager, conflict can cause tension and decreased productivity. However, there are ways to avoid or resolve workplace conflict. Here are the top 10 causes of workplace conflict and how to avoid them:

Lack of Communication

One of the most common causes of workplace conflict is a lack of communication. When communication breaks down, it can lead to miscommunication, which can then lead to conflict. To avoid this, make sure to communicate clearly and frequently with your employees.

XDifferent Work Styles

Different work styles can also lead to conflict. For example, some employees may prefer to work independently while others may prefer to work in teams. To avoid this type of conflict, try to be flexible and accommodating to different work styles.

Personality clashes

Personality clashes are another common cause of workplace conflict. This type of conflict can be difficult to avoid because it’s often based on personal preferences and opinions. However, you can try to resolve personality clashes by encouraging employees to respect each other’s differences.

Competition

Competition is often healthy in the workplace. However, when competition turns into rivalry, it can lead to conflict. To avoid this, make sure to set clear guidelines and expectations for employees.

Misaligned Goals

When employees have different goals, it can lead to conflict. To avoid this, make sure everyone is on the same page by setting clear goals and expectations.

Different Values

Different values can also lead to conflict. For example, some employees may value punctuality while others may value creativity. To avoid this, make sure to respect and value each employee’s different values.

Lack of Trust

Lack of trust is another common cause of workplace conflict. When employees don’t trust each other, it can lead to suspicion and paranoia. To avoid this, build trust by being honest and transparent with your employees.

Office Politics

Office politics can be a breeding ground for conflict. To avoid this, make sure to set clear guidelines and expectations for employees.

Resentment

Resentment can often lead to conflict. When employees feel like they’re being treated unfairly, it can lead to them feeling resentful. To avoid this, make sure to treat all employees fairly and equally.

Stress

Stress is a common cause of conflict. When employees are stressed, they may be more likely to lash out or take their frustration out on others. To avoid this, make sure to provide a supportive and positive work environment.

While workplace conflict is inevitable, there are ways to avoid or resolve it. By being aware of the common causes of workplace conflict, you can take steps to prevent it.