Member Article

Assurance given to resolving conflict in the workplace

Conflict in the workplace is a common occurrence and can take many forms whether it is personality clashes, differences in leadership or working style. For an organisation to believe that the conflict in question will simply disappear is not being realistic and can ultimately have a negative and costly impact. This can result in decreased productivity, increased stress among employees and absenteeism, as well as the hidden cost of damaging a company’s reputation.

Newcastle upon Tyne based firm, Assure Independent Investigation recognises the impact conflict can have on an organisation and offers a unique service, providing independent investigations into employment and safeguarding matters to organisations of all sizes and sectors.

Organisations dealing with employment or safeguarding issues have identified that it is becoming more complex as the weight of case law and European legislation increases.

The CBI (Confederation of British Industry) estimates that conflict in the work place costs UK business £33 billion per year, taking up 20% of leadership time and potentially losing up to 370 million working days.

Legislation requires that “reasonable” investigations are conducted and these have to be seen to be unbiased and conducted thoroughly and efficiently. It can therefore pay to have a professional independent service. Assure acts independently from the organisation and offers a service that is efficient, fair and in accordance with the organisation’s procedures, legislation and good practice. Being independent to the organisation, their service is seen as unbiased and credible by the employer, employee and any other parties associated with the matter.

Len Burns, Director explains “Over the years, we have seen first-hand that employment and safeguarding issues are becoming increasingly complex. We act independently from the organisation and offer a service that is efficient, fair and in accordance with the organisation’s procedures, legislation and good practice.”

“Organisations across the region, from public sector services and charities to large private sector organisations have already benefited from our service. We have investigated all types of cases, for example a public sector organisation contacted us the circumstances of two grievances which already had been investigated internally involving a mid-level manager and the head of department. Our investigation concluded that whilst some fault lay with the management in that the behaviour of manager had been considered unacceptable, no-one had ever challenged the manager who had a reputation for being intolerant of others and lacking empathy. Our report was submitted and discussions took place with the organisation and manager and resulted in a compromise agreement for the manager to leave the organisation.”

Steve Cave, Co-Director adds “We understand that every case is different and aim to start an investigation within 24 hours of being contacted, providing peace of mind that it will be conducted comprehensively and professionally by trained specialists.”

For further information contact Assure Independent Investigations on 0191 236 5211, email info@assureinvestigations.com or visit www.assureinvestigations.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Georgia Linscott .