Workplace conflict can’t be, ignored, cancelled or put on hold. And there are suddenly all kinds of reasons for employees to feel pushed to their limit.

The COVID-19 outbreak will bring many moments of sympathy and community among employees – but inevitably it will also mean flashpoints and interpersonal conflict.

Remote working. Shocks of change. Constant uncertainty. Sudden shifts of workload and responsibility.

We’ve seen how employee relations cases continue to be created and how existing problems are coming under renewed pressure. Staff shortages have meant that cases aren’t being dealt with in a timely way.

Using our network of expertise, CMP is continuing to provide outsourced support to organisations. Technology means face-to-face contact isn’t a necessity. Providing services remotely is an established part of CMP practices – we deliver, for example, around a hundred virtual investigation cases and 50 remote video mediations each year, across the UK, as well as Europe, the Middle East and Far East.

Keeping a grip on workplace relationships – especially when they are being carried on at a distance, when there’s more potential for misunderstandings, silences, unconsidered messaging – will be critical to the return to normality for everyone.

This outbreak is not an excuse to move away from best practice, employee relations cases should always be dealt with in a timely, fair and robust manner, and we’re here to support you, if staff shortages or remote working are getting in the way of you progressing casework.

Arran Heal, Managing Director, CMP