58% trained in conflict resolution find 'win-win' solutions

Of those in positions such as sales jobs, 58 per cent who have received conflict resolution training look for solutions which give benefits to both parties.

A survey by business psychology company OPP finds over 370 million working days were spent dealing with conflict issues in the workplace, which equates to two hours per week per employee.

It shows the majority of human resources professionals have had employees fall ill after disagreements with their organisation in 63 per cent of cases.

Chief executive officer of OPP Robert McHenry claims conflict has always been present but suggests managers' lack of experience dealing with these issues are negatively impacting on the workplace.

"In the context of the current economic downturn, businesses could see steep rises in conflict as workloads increase, budgets shrink and stress levels rise," he reports.

He says this does not need to lead to negative situations when people in positions such as sales jobs disagree, but can result in teamwork and "greater innovation".

According to figures from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, employees from Generation Y are increasingly looking for managers who engage more successfully with their workers.

Aaron Wallis are a Milton Keynes sales recruitment agency with a unique service offering that includes 12 months rebate. Psychometric profiling and online skills testing are also included within a fixed recruitment price.

Filed: 13-10-2008