The place where an individual is fruitfully occupied and earns his living is indeed his workplace. At the workplace, which might be the office, the laboratory, the corporate house, the coffee shop or even the construction site, employees as well as employers face a variety of different kinds of issues day in and day out.
What is emotional conflict?
Everyday dealings, workplace rules, nature of work and interaction with colleagues, customers, and management can all bring about a host of emotions in a person. It is very common for employees to experience emotional conflict at their workplace. Just as a conflict is a situation in which two parties with differing viewpoints are involved, similarly emotional conflict is an intrapersonal situation within an individual during which he feels torn between two or more largely opposing emotions.
For example, during the course of his work, a person might need to take some decisions that go against his values. While this gives him profit at work, it would make him feel a sense of guilt too. Such situations would result in a conflict of emotions- happiness versus doubt and guilt. this has led to the term “working wounded “for employees under such kinds of work situations.
Causes of emotional conflict at work
Emotions run high at workplaces, and it is important to manage these emotions for the wellbeing of employees that in turn leads to the wellbeing of the organization. Following scenarios cause emotional conflict at workplaces:
1. Unfulfilled expectations: When the employee feels under-utilized, sees little or no growth opportunities, does not enjoy his work, or feels that he has to sacrifice his values top sustain his job, he feels demotivated and in a state of conflict with his emotions.
2. Rigid workplace policies: An employee might want the company to move towards newer horizons, contributing substantially towards the society as well, whereas the company would prefer sticking to its original vision and policies.
3. Mismanagement: Miscommunication among employees and leadership causes emotional conflicts the most. When workers’ demands are not met, rewards and compensation are not duly given, managers impose unrealistic demands and do not communicate issues properly, it causes a great deal of depression and anxiety among employees and leads to reduced productivity.
Role of workplace in resolving conflicts
If workplace issues remain unresolved, the individual feels restricted at his work. He feels stressed and burned-out. A sense of self-betrayal conflicts with his need for the job to sustain himself. Though it is widely recognised that professional success and emotional conflict go hand in hand, it is in the best interest of the management that they help employees in resolving their workplace emotional conflicts if the company is to function profitably.
1. Leaders should establish an atmosphere of open management and transparency.
2. Equal opportunities must be available to all without biases.
3. Communication is the most important key factor in providing individuals with a sense of reassurance.
4. Companies should not hesitate to avail services of professional advisers and therapists in gaining the trust of employees.
