Before jumping into trying to resolve hostilities between employees, it’s important for HR managers to take a step back and identify the root cause of the conflict. This might be due to differences in personalities or working styles, misunderstandings, or personal issues that are spilling over into the workplace. By understanding the underlying cause of the conflict, HR managers can more effectively address it and find a resolution.

1. Have one-on-one conversations with the employees involved.

Once the cause of the conflict has been identified, the next step is to try to address it directly with the employees involved. This might involve having a one-on-one conversation with each employee to understand their perspective and to hear their concerns. It’s important to approach these conversations with empathy and an open mind, and to avoid taking sides or making judgments.

1. Bring in a mediator if necessary.

If the conflict is relatively minor, it might be possible to resolve it through one-on-one conversations. However, if the conflict is more serious or if the employees are unable to come to an agreement on their own, it may be necessary to bring in a mediator. A mediator is a neutral third party who can help facilitate a conversation between the employees and work with them to find a resolution.

1. Address any underlying issues within the workplace.

In some cases, hostilities between employees can be the result of a larger problem within the workplace. For example, if there is a lack of clear communication or a lack of support from management, this can create an environment where conflicts are more likely to arise. In these cases, it’s important for HR managers to work with leadership to address the underlying issues and to implement strategies to improve communication and support within the workplace.

1. Implement regular team-building activities.

One effective strategy for preventing hostilities between employees is to implement regular team-building activities. These can help to foster a sense of collaboration and teamwork, which can make it less likely for conflicts to arise. Team-building activities can also help to improve communication and understanding between employees, which can make it easier to resolve conflicts when they do occur.

1. Provide education on appropriate workplace behavior and conflict resolution.

In addition to team-building, HR managers can also work to educate employees on appropriate workplace behavior and on how to handle conflicts in a constructive way. This might involve providing training on communication skills, conflict resolution, and other relevant topics. By equipping employees with the tools they need to handle conflicts effectively, HR managers can help to create a more positive and productive work environment.