by Karen Chamchuk

Created on: August 09, 2011   Last Updated: August 17, 2011

Does your stomach get tied up in knots just thinking about your workplace? You are not alone. Many people actually dread going to the office because of the constant bickering and backstabbing that goes on there. Some environments are actually so toxic that they can begin to affect your health. Fortunately, there are strategies for dealing with office conflicts that can save both your work relationships and your sanity.

Stay neutral  

Do your best not to take sides in the conflict. This is easier said than done, especially if you dislike one of the people involved in the conflict. It can very tempting to want to voice your opinion, but this kind of venting almost always gets back to the people you are talking about. Before you know it, you are drawn into a conflict that you were hoping to avoid. So, do your best to remain neutral and if someone asks for your opinion, plead the fifth.

Stay focused

Stay focused on your own responsibilities, even in the face of conflict. You may need to learn to have selective hearing so that you can filter out all of the petty quarrels and backbiting that is going on. If the conflict in your workplace is severe enough that it could lead to the dissolution of the company, then you will want to maintain a sterling work record. You can only do this if you develop strategies for coping. This way, you will have excellent references if the time comes to apply for a job at a different company. 

Stay out of it

Develop the useful habit of minding your own business. You don’t need to let yourself be drawn into a conflict unless it relates directly to you and your work performance. In times of serious conflict, it may be challenging to remain neutral and stay on the sidelines, but these are the times when it is most important that you not get involved. Your bosses are going to be asking questions to determine who started the conflict and you don’t want to be seen as part of the problem.

Don’t tolerate harassment

If the conflict involves one or more co-workers harassing or bullying you or someone else in your office, this is a serious issue that you will want to take up with human resources. If there isn’t a human resources department where you work, bring it up with your immediate supervisor. As busy as they are, they really do want to know about problems like this because they can interfere with work performance. And, if the bullying is severe enough, it could ultimately lead to the loss

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