Half (50%) of Scottish employees said that people that are perceived not to be doing their job properly is the thing that makes them angriest at work according to a new survey.
The YouGov survey, commissioned by workplace expert Acas, asked Scottish employees to consider what would make them the most angry while at work.
43% of respondents said others claiming credit for work they didn’t do, followed by an overdemanding boss (41%) and then having too much work to do (38%).
Acas Head of Individual Dispute Resolution, Stewart Gee, said:
“It’s clear from our poll that there’s a range of issues that make people in Scotland angry at work. Anger over a lack of recognition, rudeness, their boss or a colleague seen as not pulling their weight can impact productivity and escalate to conflict if left unresolved at work.
“Unresolved emotions over things that seem unfair can have a detrimental effect at work and it is important for workplace conflict to be addressed at the earliest possible opportunity.
“Acas’s aim is to prevent, manage or resolve conflict. An informal resolution through an initial chat or mediation can help organisations prevent the cost and stress of more formal procedures such as an employment tribunal.”
Dealing with conflict positively and quickly can build trust and improve relationships. If employees feel that their frustrations could cause conflict, they should check their workplace policy and see what support is available.
Employers should typically encourage employees to raise issues informally first, before going through set formal procedures. This will usually help resolve disputes more quickly which is beneficial for everyone involved.
Stewart added:
“Conflict at work is estimated to cost UK organisations £30 billion each year and getting the basics right plays a key part in helping to reduce conflict at work. Acas offers employers training in performance management, which can be a key ingredient alongside an effective conflict management strategy to help prevent conflict at work.
“Workers can also help. Speaking to a manager early is almost always better than waiting for it to become a larger issue that requires a more formal response. This might also avoid costly discipline and grievance procedures.”
In Case You Missed It:
Acas’s new strategy aims to strengthen Acas’s role in the workplace by promoting healthy employment relations, improving conflict management, and resolving disputes where they arise to let employees and business flourish.
Acas has published a new policy paper that outlines how prioritising healthy workplace relations and managing conflict are the key enablers of successful organisations and good business.
