Course overview:

Want to resolve disputes with confidence? This practical course equips you with the tools and techniques to identify, address, and resolve workplace conflicts before they escalate into bullying and harassment—key issues for New Zealand businesses.

Effective conflict management is vital to maintaining a productive and harmonious workplace. Left unchecked, unresolved issues can lead to toxic behaviours, disengagement, and declining productivity.

Take a proactive approach to mitigate health and safety risks associated with bullying and harassment and ensure a healthier, more respectful work environment.

Learn practical conflict resolution strategies, including mediation, negotiation, and the five styles of conflict resolution. Gain the skills to handle difficult conversations and resolve disputes effectively.

Course format:

Presented by employment lawyer Julia Shallcrass, this virtual 6.5 hour course will also guide you in complying with employment and health and safety legislation, ensuring a safe and compliant workplace.

Through interactive exercises, you’ll gain hands-on experience in managing conflict and applying key strategies for positive outcomes.

• You Will Learn:Identify the root causes of workplace conflict, such as miscommunication and competing priorities, to prevent escalation
• Enhance communication skills with active listening and assertive techniques for clearer, more effective conversations
• Navigate difficult conversations and mediate disputes using structured steps, resolving conflicts with confidence
• Apply proven conflict resolution strategies, including mediation, negotiation, and problem-solving, to drive positive outcomes
• Ensure compliance with employment law and health & safety regulations, particularly concerning bullying, harassment, and employee wellbeing
• Recognise and address behaviour that constitutes bullying and harassment in the workplace
• Understand the impact of bullying on both individuals and the organisation, and mitigate its effects
• Prevent or reduce the risk of workplace bullying by identifying contributing factors and implementing strategies to address them
• Investigate and resolve bullying and harassment complaints with fairness and professionalism, adhering to legal and organisational standards
• Establish clear procedures for addressing bullying and harassment, ensuring a safe and respectful workplace
• Manage interpersonal conflict using the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument, and understand the five conflict resolution styles
• Develop self-awareness of your personal conflict resolution style and how to adapt it to different situations for better outcomes
• Create a collaborative workplace that fosters staff engagement, positive wellbeing and productivity
• Build confidence through practical exercises and case studies that reflect common workplace conflict

Audience:

This course is ideal for people managers, HR professionals and business owners who want to effectively manage and resolve workplace conflicts.

This course is also useful for people managers and business leaders seeking to create a safe work environment, improve team dynamics, and support employees through challenging situations.

Whether you're dealing with interpersonal disputes, workplace tensions, or bullying and harassment, this course equips you with the tools and confidence to resolve issues effectively.