In an increasingly polarised society, conflict in the workplace between individuals who hold competing characteristics and or beliefs is unavoidable.
Where conflicts such as these arise in the workplace, there are often adverse consequences for staff morale, productivity and retention.
The claims which may follow can also lead to significant financial exposure and reputational issues for businesses.
The cHeRries Conference, in association with Mattioli Woods, takes place on 8th June at P&J Live.
Burness Paull’s conference session will gain an invaluable insight into how people managers and HR professionals can diffuse conflict in the workplace whilst staying on the right side of discrimination law.
A team, led by employment law partner, Andrew Knight, will host interactive sessions at the cHeRries conference which will help to equip business owners, people managers and HR professionals to deal with these tricky situations.
Vital to address conflict
Mr Knight said: “Conflicts between colleagues who hold competing characteristics or beliefs can often start outside of the workplace, perhaps online and through social media.
“When these conflicts spill over into the workplace, it can have devastating consequences for staff morale and productivity.
“These situations are also notoriously difficult for HR professionals and people managers to deal with because views can be so polarised.
“From a legal perspective, both sides may hold characteristics which are protected under discrimination legislation and so these situations are fraught with legal risk.
“It is vital for businesses to address any such conflicts at an early stage and in a manner which is balanced and proportionate.
“Our session will explore this in an interactive way which will help to equip HR professionals and people managers to deal with these situations when they arise in future.
cHeRries conference open for registration
The cHeRries Conference is now open for registration offering an unrivalled opportunity for learning, networking and celebration of achievements.
The day-long event, held in concert with the famous cHeRries Awards 2023, will feature three main panel sessions, lunch and an exhibition as well as the key note speech from Samantha Jayne Nelson.
Other sessions at the event will include:
Harmony from Complexity, with Mattioli Woods
Change is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be complicated if the right tools are in place to manage it.
For businesses facing change – whether through merger and acquisition or looking for ways to support staff through increases in the cost of living or the challenges of working post-pandemic, Mattioli Woods has answers.
The firm offers a range of services including platforms that enable employers to offer benefits including spouse/partner life assurance, private medical or salary sacrifice schemes including bike to work, electric car schemes or dining card schemes – with many offering lower costs for both employers and employees alike.
The session will explore the options available to deliver great outcomes for employers while keeping or creating a happy workforce.
Navigating Tomorrow’s World, with Hunter Adams
Today’s external environment is constantly changing with new ways of working and evolving behaviours.
Some businesses, however, are struggling to keep up with this breakneck pace of change.
Hunters Adams’ conference session will explore how the power of flexibility and harnessing the right behaviours can help companies compete in tomorrow’s workplace whilst increasing bottom line profitability.
Join us at the annual cHeRries Conference Thursday June 8 2023 at P&J Live in Aberdeen. Book your place now.