The cost of workplace conflict

A new report from ACAS estimates that workplace conflict costs UK employers £28.5bn every year, an average of just over £1,000 for every employee. Close to 10 million people experienced conflict at work. Of these, over half suffer stress, anxiety or depression as a result; just under 900,000 took time off work; nearly half a million resigned, and more than 300,000 employees were dismissed.

A new report from ACAS estimates that workplace conflict costs UK employers £28.5bn every year, an average of just over £1,000 for every employee. Close to 10 million people experienced conflict at work. Of these, over half suffer stress, anxiety or depression as a result; just under 900,000 took time off work; nearly half a million resigned, and more than 300,000 employees were dismissed.

Susan Clews, Chief Executive of ACAS states that early intervention in conflict saves money, time and promotes better wellbeing: the new analysis provides employers with a new reality check. The Covid crisis underlines the importance of waking up to conflict at work as an issue that should be considered from board level downwards.

There are 3 strong messages to take from this report. Firstly, ‘conflict competence’ is an essential ingredient in good management and it has a positive impact on organisational effectiveness and performance. Secondly, there is a critical time to intervene. This is before conflict reaches formal workplace procedures, since at this point there is a greater likelihood of resignations, presenteeism and sickness absence. And, thirdly, while conflict can be very bad and damaging to people and a business, it can also be creative. Conflict that asks questions and challenges prevailing ways of doings things, does give us the opportunity to create fairer and more inclusive workplaces in the future.

Read more

Latest News

Read More

Connection cures DEI shortfalls – How to build it at work

7 February 2025

Newsletter

Receive the latest HR news and strategic content

Please note, as per the GDPR Legislation, we need to ensure you are ‘Opted In’ to receive updates from ‘theHRDIRECTOR’. We will NEVER sell, rent, share or give away your data to third parties. We only use it to send information about our products and updates within the HR space To see our Privacy Policy – click here

Latest HR Jobs

University of Limerick – Office of the Director of Human Resources – HR DivisionSalary: €58,657 to €83,397 per annum This provides summary information and comment

HR Coordinator – EMEA | Global Financial Services | Hybrid | Competitive Salary Are you an ambitious HR professional looking to develop your career in

Ruskin Mill Trust is an educational charity operating in England, Scotland and Wales. Ruskin Mill Trust helps individuals to re-imagine their potential by offering exciting

Human Resources Assistant Up to £26,000pa Leatherhead, Surrey Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is going through an exciting time where we are growing, with the aim

Read the latest digital issue of theHRDIRECTOR for FREE

Read the latest digital issue of theHRDIRECTOR for FREE