What is one of the major sources of squabbles among employees? You might be surprised that it has little to do with your productivity and more to do with your basic comfort. That's right-the temperature of the office is key to workplace harmony. When two people disagree over how hot the office should be, temperature trouble is bound to follow. Here's how to avoid a heated debate:
Ask before you make a change. Do not adjust the thermostat without asking your fellow coworkers. If someone appoints himself Secret Master of the Air Conditioner, it's a safe bet that he won't be popular when he is discovered.
Check the office air circulation. A manager might be missing the obvious: If parts of the office have different temperatures, something might be broken. Ask around, and call in your company's maintenance team, or call a contractor to check things out. Updating your office's heating and cooling system might pay off in terms of productivity.
Explain why the temperature must be at a certain level. At some workplaces, the temperature must be cold. For example, computers can overheat. If your workplace relies on the computers functioning without a hitch, then employees who are cold may need to invest in sweaters. However, they will be more understanding if they realize the company's technology depends on it.
Compromise. You simply can't get inside another person's body to experience what she does. Someone needs to bring a sweater, while another person should dress lighter. If the issue involves dress code, consider loosening up the code in summer so the people who always crank up the AC can wear short sleeves. Likewise, those who are always shivering should bring sweaters, or you can buy them a space heater so they can better control the temperature of their workspace.
Instead of letting the issue simmer, attempt to solve the problem as soon as possible. Extreme temperatures can distract employees from their work, or they waste time fighting with each other over the thermostat. The best approaches involve getting everyone's feedback so no one feels left out in the cold-or heat.
 | Team conflict is inevitable, but, if you follow a few team conflict management strategies like sticking to the facts and keeping everyone focused on practical solutions instead of emotional opinions, your team will emerge stronger. |
When conflict management styles clash, mixed messages are sent, and the situation may not be resolved in the most effective and timely manner. Tensions can be heightened, not resolved, but it doesn't have to be that way. |
Workplace conflict is commonplace, but managers who can incorporate certain types of conflict management strategies that work will soon be able to achieve their goals and minimize disruptions. |
When faced with employee conflict, managers can implement several of the following tips and strategies for the most satisfactory resolutions. |
 | You can follow several conflict resolution tips to arrive at a mutually agreeable solution to the problem when you are witnessing conflict at work, whether as upper management or as a co-worker. |
