Workplace conflict: research and commentary | Acas

Publications and commentary about the types of conflict in the workplace, what causes it, and how it can best be prevented and resolved.

Research and discussion papers

Mediation and early resolution in East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust

Findings from research into early conflict resolution at the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Independent research, 17 May 2023

Resolving workplace disputes in SMEs – qualitative research with employers

Research into the experience of employers in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises of disputes at work.

Independent research, 15 July 2022

Estimating the costs of workplace conflict

Report measuring the incidence, impact and cost of conflict in UK workplaces.

Independent research, 11 May 2021

Disputes and their management in the workplace

National survey of trends in workplace disputes and how they are managed.

Independent research, 30 April 2020

Fairness, justice and capability: repositioning conflict management

Insights from Acas research argue for a new approach to managing workplace conflict.

Acas discussion paper, 1 October 2019

Managing workplace conflict: the changing role of HR

Assessment of the impact of change to HR functions on managing conflict.

Independent research, 1 October 2019

Managing individual conflict in the contemporary British workplace

Findings into how conflict management at work is being shaped by regulation.

Independent research, 23 March 2016

Seeking better solutions: tackling bullying and ill-treatment

How bullying and ill-treatment could be dealt with more effectively in workplaces.

Acas discussion paper, 1 November 2015

Payment of Acas conciliated settlements

Independent research into the proportion of employers who are more likely to pay a settlement when Acas is involved in negotiations.

Independent research, 1 January 2015

Reframing resolution: managing conflict and resolving employment disputes

Findings from seminars run in 2012 and 2013 examining workplace conflict.

Acas discussion paper, 1 March 2014

Blogs and articles

The whole is more than the sum of the parts – managing conflict at work

Gill Dix discusses some recent research into mediation and early resolution at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Acas blog, 17 May 2023

Tackling workplace conflict – Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals website

Acas Head of Workplace Policy Gill Dix discusses the true cost of conflict in the workplace.

1 February 2023

Conflict, clashes and calling in Acas

Kate Nowicki, Director of Dispute Resolution, talks about how Acas is helping to resolve disputes during the current wave of industrial action.

Acas blog, 18 January 2023

Suspension: out of sight, out of mind?

Gary Wedderburn in the Workplace Policy team looks at why proper consideration and handling of suspension are important.

Acas blog, 8 September 2022

Managing workplace conflict – Federation of Small Businesses website

Acas Chair Clare Chapman and FSB Chair Martin McTague answer questions on how to handle conflict at work.

6 July 2022

Counting the cost of conflict in the health sector – Society of Occupational Medicine website

Acas policy adviser Adrian Wakeling discusses the cost of conflict in the health sector.

14 May 2021

Contact our research and policy teams

Research team

For more information about Acas research, email research@acas.org.uk.

Workplace policy team

For more information or to sign up for updates about Acas publications, email workplacepolicy@acas.org.uk.