FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
Acas has marked its 50th anniversary with the publication of a new report that shows nearly half of people experience conflict at work. Since 1975, Acas has been the nation’s trusted voice in workplace relations, evolving from addressing industrial disputes to tackling modern workplace challenges while maintaining its commitment to impartial, expert guidance.
In 1975, the Conciliation and Arbitration Service added the advisory function to its dispute services to become Acas.
To coincide with the anniversary, Acas has published a report showing that almost half (44 per cent) of working age adults in Britain experienced conflict at work in the past 12 months.
Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive, said:
“This year marks 50 years since we became Acas and started providing workplace advice, as well as resolving disputes. For 50 years, Acas has been at the heart of workplace relations, helping employers and employees navigate change and find common ground even in the most challenging circumstances.
“Our report into conflict prevalence shows that there is still a need for Acas’s experts to bring their experience and cool heads to workplace disputes.”
The research found that:
- Capability and performance issues were the most common cause of conflict (38 per cent), followed by personal disagreements and relationship issues (33 per cent)
- Stress, anxiety and depression was the most common impact of conflict, affecting 57 per cent of involved, followed by a drop in motivation or commitment (49 per cent)
- Retail workers faced the highest levels of conflict, with half (50 per cent) of wholesale and retail trade employees reporting conflict
- Disabled people whose disability significantly affects their daily life reported the highest prevalence of conflict at 68 per cent
- The most common person to report experiencing conflict with was another colleague in the organisation (34 per cent) or the person’s line manager (32 per cent)
- Most conflicts were resolved through informal discussion with managers (45 per cent) or directly with the other person (30 per cent)
Employment Rights Minister Kate Dearden said:
“For half a century, Acas has given workers a voice and supported employers to build stronger, more productive workplaces. Its work resolving conflict and improving employment relations has delivered real benefits for organisations and significant savings for the economy.
“Early dispute resolution is vital to a modern, growing economy, and Acas will remain central to our plans to modernise industrial relations in a way that works for both workers and businesses.”
A full copy of the report can be viewed here:
The way we work has changed – yet, many organisations are still relying on rigid, one-size-fits-all tools to manage desks and meeting rooms, according to a new study from workplace management solutions provider, Matrix Booking.
Spreadsheets, calendars, and generic booking software may have worked once, but they’re struggling to keep pace with today’s flexible, hybrid workforce. The result? Wasted time, frustrated employees, and expensive underutilised space.
Matrix Booking’s new study, ‘One-size-fits-all booking systems don’t work for today’s workforce’, explores why current systems are falling short – and how organisations can reimagine workspace management to boost efficiency, employee experience, and cost savings.
To download your FREE copy click here.
