Conflict Resolution Training For Hr Professionals

Conflict resolution training for HR professionals needs to confront the dual role directly, because it is the thing that makes HR mediation harder than it looks.

You are asked to facilitate a conversation between two employees. You also represent the employer, hold the risk, know things neither party knows, and may later be involved in a formal process about the same facts. Employees understand this, which is why candour in an HR-run conversation is often lower than in a manager-run one.

Three things help. Say at the start what you will do with what you hear. Separate the facilitation role from the investigation role, and never move between them in the same conversation. And use an external facilitator where the matter is serious enough that impartiality has to be visible.

The Fair Work Ombudsman covers workplace rights. This is general information rather than legal advice.

See Sentrient’s conflict resolution course and workplace compliance system.