Co-worker conflict | Feuding colleagues cause nearly HALF of all workplace grievances

Feuding and conflicting colleagues account for nearly half (47%) of all grievances raised in the workplace, according to new research by employment law and HR consultancy firm, WorkNest.

Nearly four in ten (38%) businesses believe this is down to employees becoming less tolerant, with factors like mental health and stress (24%) and organisational change (24%) also suspected to be contributing to conflict between employees or between employees and line managers. 

The survey of over 350 UK employers found that workplace conflict between colleagues was the primary catalyst and a significantly bigger cause of complaints than dissatisfaction regarding pay (9%), work life balance (9%), and working arrangements including being denied flexible working (5%).

The research also uncovered that over a third (37%) of employers have been experiencing a rise in grievances over the past 12 months, adding to the challenges businesses currently face.