If a conflict arises in your workplace, you should always start by trying to work it out with the person with whom you have the problem. If that doesn’t work, you can discuss the conflict with someone else. Don’t leave it too long before asking for help – in order to resolve the conflict quickly and not let it escalate unnecessarily.
Manager
If you’re looking for someone to talk to, your manager can support and advise you. The conflict may in fact be with your manager, in which case you can approach their manager.
If these hierarchical options aren’t working for you, you can contact the HR Advisor, occupational social worker or ombudsman. If that doesn't help, you can also opt for internal mediation or perhaps the route to the dispute settlement committee is open (see below).
HR Advisor
The HR Advisor can offer you general advice on how best to deal with the conflict.
Occupational Social Work
The occupational social worker can help you analyse the conflict from a variety of perspectives, to see which solution is the best fit for your situation and what resources you need to help you work towards that solution. Occupational social workers are bound by professional confidentiality. You can contact them directly.
Ombudsman
Discussions with the ombudsman are also strictly confidential. The ombudsman will help and advise you with analysing, resolving and assessing problems or complaints that arise from things like the incorrect application of regulations. These problems include not keeping promises about training or promotion opportunities, working conditions and other human resource management issues. The ombudsman will always try to resolve a complaint in consultation with you as an employee.
You can also ask the ombudsman to start a formal investigation. The ombudsman will then investigate the complaint and assess it on its merits.
Internal mediation
You can also try to find a solution together with the other person under the guidance of an internal mediator within the organisation.
Trade union
If you have questions about your legal status, if you’re concerned about your employment, if you’d like external help with a labour dispute or an employment-related illness, or if you’re looking for personal external advice on your work and career, we advise you to contact your trade union.
Dispute settlement committee
You can take a dispute with your supervisor to an independent dispute settlement committee if it concerns:
- an assessment
- changing the position without the employee's consent
- refusing a promotion to the functional scale