Focus on successful conflict resolution: New strategies for SMEs - in cooperation with the Bundesverband Mediation in Wirtschaft und Arbeitswelt e.V.

In a rapidly changing world, companies often face potentially conflict-laden challenges. Disputes within the workforce, between departments or even with external partners and institutions not only cause frustration and uncertainty, but can also have a significant impact on performance - in the worst-case scenario, even leading to dismissals. But it doesn't have to come to that. These tensions can be successfully resolved if internal conflicts are identified early on and tackled constructively together. The new workshop series, which provides practical approaches for a conflict-free corporate culture , shows exactly how HR managers can support and shape this process.

Supporting SMEs in their competitiveness in the best possible way - a statement by project coordinator Dr. Mahzad Peschke

Hanover Region

Companies increase their competitiveness when they successfully retain and find employees. One way of retaining employees is through systematic and preventative "conflict resolution". The new series of workshops will teach and discuss with participants how HR managers can achieve this.

This is important, because who wants to work in a conflict-ridden environment? - Conflicts can massively disrupt day-to-day business and, of course, cooperation within the company. Dealing with conflict is (usually) unpleasant, takes time, costs a lot of effort and also involves emotions. Looking the other way is the most convenient strategy, but the one with the most serious consequences. According to Gallup studies, the economic costs of employee turnover amount to around 118.4 billion euros a year. These costs reduce economic power.

In order to provide HR managers with a toolbox of methods for addressing and resolving conflicts in their company, the Hannover Region Employment Promotion Agency has joined forces with the Bundesverband für Mediation in Wirtschaft und Arbeitswelt e.V. (BMWA).

What is the aim of the new offer?

Conflicts must be resolved constructively so that employees can concentrate on their work again and work processes can run smoothly. In times of high demand for skilled workers, increasing employee performance through a positive working atmosphere is essential. One way to achieve this is through joint conflict resolution.

How is it being implemented and what has been the response to the new workshop series?

Talking about conflicts requires an atmosphere of trust. This is why the format is offered across all sectors. The workshop series is divided into four modules that build on each other thematically. Each session comprises a fixed group of max. 12 participants and lasts 4 hours per session. The module content is based on the latest scientific findings and the content is fine-tuned together with the BMWA. HR managers from the healthcare, real estate, logistics and retail sectors, among others, took part in the first run. After a short time, there was already a waiting list of people who would like to take part in the second run.

Is it a sign of weakness when managers seek external support from mediators to resolve internal conflicts?

It is an indication of clear leadership strength to say: "We draw on the expert knowledge and wealth of experience of mediators, for example!" Even from an economic point of view, it is smarter to get support for conflict resolution when you don't know what to do. After all, it is not uncommon for long-serving employees with important expertise to leave the company due to unresolved conflicts. This is a double disaster: Finding and training new employees - in times of high demand for skilled workers - is time-consuming and costly.

What will happen with the new service?

The offer will be continued in 2025 with our cooperation partner, the Bundesverband Mediation in Wirtschaft und Arbeitswelt e.V., because the number of registrations from company representatives shows that there is a great need to train their own conflict resolution skills and learn from the experiences of others.

The dates have already been set and the workshop series will start on March 3, 2025.