Nearly half of working-age adults in Britain have experienced conflict at work in the past year, new figures show, as Acas marks five decades of helping resolve disputes and strengthen employment relations across the country.
The findings come from a new report released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), which was formed in 1975 to support fair and constructive working environments. Acas said the prevalence of conflict underlines the continued importance of early resolution and effective management practices.
The most common issues cited by workers were performance-related concerns and relationship breakdowns, with stress, anxiety and loss of motivation reported as frequent outcomes.
Managing tension in modern workplaces
Acas chief executive Niall Mackenzie said the anniversary was an opportunity to reflect on the organisation’s long-standing role in promoting better workplace practices and resolving disputes constructively.
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He said the findings showed there was still a clear need for expert intervention in helping organisations manage difficult situations. “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.”
Key findings on conflict
According to the report, 44 percent of working-age adults said they had experienced some form of workplace conflict in the past 12 months. The most common source of tension was capability and performance issues, cited by 38 percent of those affected, followed by personal disagreements and relationship breakdowns (33 percent).
More than half (57 percent) of those involved in conflict said they experienced stress, anxiety or depression as a result, while 49 percent said their motivation or commitment to their work declined. Colleagues were the most frequently named source of conflict (34 percent), followed closely by line managers (32 percent).
Retail workers reported the highest levels of workplace tension, with half of those in wholesale and retail trade saying they had encountered conflict. Disabled people whose conditions significantly affected daily life reported the highest overall prevalence, at 68 percent.
Most conflicts were resolved informally, either through discussion with a manager (45 percent) or directly with the other person involved (30 percent).
Mackenzie said the widespread use of informal resolution methods was a positive sign. “Disputes at work might be inevitable, but the knock-on effects can be very costly if they are not managed and resolved properly. It’s encouraging to see that informal methods to prevent and resolve disputes are already being used by bosses.”
He said a key part of Acas’s mission was to ensure line managers are equipped to respond early and constructively to signs of conflict. “Part of Acas’s role, as we mark 50 years of providing workplace advice, is to make sure managers and leaders have the skills to build more harmonious workplaces.”
Track record of resolution
In the past year, Acas has continued to play a central role in helping organisations avoid formal disputes. The body said it had resolved 93 percent of collective conciliation disputes, helping prevent potential industrial action. It also found a resolution in 90 percent of individual disputes before they reached tribunal hearings.
Training and advisory services reached a significantly wider audience over the past 12 months, with Acas reporting a 78 percent increase in uptake.
The organisation also published a new five-year strategy and said it was continuing to evolve its services to reflect the changing nature of work. These include supporting flexible working arrangements and advising on emerging forms of workplace conflict, such as those linked to hybrid settings or technology-related issues.
Policy support and long-term role
Employment Rights Minister Kate Dearden said the work of Acas had delivered long-term benefits to the economy and workforce.
“For half a century, Acas has given workers a voice and supported employers to build stronger, more productive workplaces,” she said. “Its work resolving conflict and improving employment relations has delivered real benefits for organisations and significant savings for the economy.”
She added that “[e]arly 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.”
The anniversary report adds that while the nature of conflict may have changed since 1975, the need for impartial support and trusted workplace advice remains as vital as ever. Acas said it would continue to expand its role in helping organisations resolve disputes early and build positive, inclusive workplace cultures for the decades ahead.
