Effective conflict management: the best tips for productive works council work
Successful conflict management in the works council: strategies, best practices and study results for avoiding and resolving tensions in the company.
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Why conflicts must be managed rather than avoided
Conflicts are part of co-determination at the workplace. Differing opinions, interests and power relations inevitably lead to tensions. However, instead of viewing conflicts as a disruptive factor, the Hans Böckler Foundation Study 2022¹ shows that professional conflict management can make a decisive contribution to corporate development.
Findings from the Hans Böckler Foundation Study 2022
Conflict density in works councils
- 91% of the works council members surveyed regularly experience internal and external conflicts.
- 60 % feel that conflicts hinder them in their actual work.
Lack of conflict competence
- Only 39% of works councils feel well prepared to deal with conflicts.
- 28% higher employee satisfaction is recorded by companies that actively promote conflict management.
The cost of unresolved conflicts
- Up to 35% higher fluctuation is recorded in companies with frequent conflicts.
- 20% more sick days among works councils are caused by ongoing conflicts.
Successful solution strategies
- 45 % reduction in internal tensions through supervision and coaching.
- Works councils with structured conflict management achieve more sustainable negotiation results.
Practical strategies for conflict resolution
Define clear processes
Structured procedures for conflicts prevent escalation.
Involving external mediators
Neutrality makes it easier to find a solution. External mediation defuses up to 70% of conflicts at an early stage.
Strengthen conflict competence
Training courses and workshops help to resolve conflicts more efficiently. Companies with regular training courses report 40% less internal tension.
"We have introduced a fixed routine: Every conflict is documented, analyzed and discussed according to a set procedure."
– Works council member from the industrial sector
Case study: Conflict resolution in a large company
An international logistics company was experiencing considerable tension between the works council and management. The introduction of a structured conflict management system reduced escalations and increased negotiation satisfaction by 30%.
"Good conflict management improves cooperation throughout the company."
– Andrea Hartmann-Piraudeau
5 success factors for sustainable conflict management:
- Early intervention – avoiding escalation through proactive communication.
- Establishing mediation processes – firmly anchoring neutral mediation.
- Regular training – continuous skills enhancement.
- Open feedback culture – clearly identifying problems and solving them together.
- Adopting best practices – integrating proven models into your own practice.
Conclusion: Seeing conflicts as an opportunity
Works councils should learn to make targeted use of conflicts. Strategic conflict management improves cooperation and increases employee satisfaction. Companies that invest in professional conflict management benefit from a stable corporate culture in the long term.
Can we help you?
Would you like to find out more about professional conflict resolution? Arrange a free consultation for works councils here:
Sources
- Hans Böckler Foundation: Study on conflict management in works councils, 2022.