Staff spats | Workplace conflict puts strain on job quality for estimated 8m UK workers

People who experience conflict in the workplace have lower job satisfaction and are more likely to experience poorer mental and physical health, new research suggests.

The CIPD’s Good Work Index 2024 showed a quarter (25%) of UK employees - an estimated eight million people* - have experienced workplace conflict in the past year. Among those who reported at least one form of conflict, the most common forms were: being undermined or humiliated at work (48%), being shouted at or having a heated argument (35%), verbal abuse or insult (34%) or discriminatory behaviour (20%).

In response, the CIPD is calling for employers to focus on line management training and address the underlying causes of conflict, such as poor management practices and excessive workloads. Good quality people management practices are critical in creating supportive and inclusive work environments, where conflict can be reduced or resolved where it does occur.

The CIPD Good Work Index surveys over 5000 UK workers to provide an annual benchmark of good work in the UK. It measures a wide range of job quality aspects, including the day-to-day experiences of workers and the impact of work on health and wellbeing.