Interpersonal issues are very common in the workplace. Interpersonal issues occur when colleagues interact with each other. It might be there within a team or between the team members and might have a big influence on productivity overall, job satisfaction, and employee well-being.

It's important to resolve disagreements quickly and peacefully to preserve a positive and peaceful work atmosphere. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a useful tool that organizations and their workers may use. We will discuss the nature of interpersonal problems at work, their effects, and how EAP might be an efficient solution.

Understanding interpersonal issues at the workplace

At work, interpersonal challenges include disagreements, difficulties with communication, and difficulty with relationships between coworkers or within teams. Several things, including different working styles, competing objectives, personality conflicts, power struggles, managing tough bosses, or unsolved disputes, might lead to these problems. Frequent disagreements, rumors, disobedience, passive-aggressive conduct, and strained work relationships are a few common examples. 

Types of interpersonal conflicts at the workplace

Any dispute involving two or more persons is considered interpersonal. Conflicts at work occur when two or more individuals communicate opposing views. This can occur between supervisors and subordinates, or between customers and clients. It's important to take into account each kind of interpersonal conflict to fully understand them and determine the best way to resolve them. The four categories of interpersonal disputes are as follows:

1. Pseudo-conflict: When two people are unable to agree on anything, it can lead to pseudo-conflicts. There would be a pseudo-conflict if two team leaders were working on the same project and one wanted everyone to take notes on a computer while the other wanted everyone to utilize pen and paper. The dispute arises from their desire to address a project from two distinct perspectives and their inability to agree.

2. Policy-related interpersonal conflict: Interpersonal conflict connected to policy can arise when it concerns a choice or circumstance that which both parties are involved in. For example, when a team is given a task by a leader, the team members cannot agree on how to finish it. The best way to handle interpersonal problems with policies at work is to reach a compromise.

3. Value-related interpersonal conflict: Conflicts can occasionally arise between two individuals when their underlying value systems vary. While this form of dispute initially arises, it can be difficult to recognize since the parties involved sometimes inaccurately believe that the other side is being unpleasant or unyielding while, in reality, they just have different fundamental beliefs. A coworker may value their free time so highly that they won't answer emails or be approachable outside of work hours.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as a Solution

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a workplace benefit that provides employees with confidential and professional support to address personal and work-related challenges, including interpersonal issues. EAP can serve as a valuable solution in the following ways:

1. Provides confidentiality and accessibility: 

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is confidential so that employees might feel safe and secure when they are seeking external help. EAPs are typically available through multiple channels, including phone, online chat, or in-person sessions, so that it might be convenient for the employees when they are seeking support.

2. Provides professional counseling: 

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) connects employees with trained counselors who specialize in resolving conflicts, increasing communication skills, and increasing relationship-building skills in employees. Online counselors involved in EAP can provide guidance, mediation services, and practical strategies to address all the interpersonal issues they are facing effectively.

3. Provides early intervention and prevention:

Early intervention is emphasized by Employee Assistance Program EAPs, enabling staff members to get help before interpersonal conflicts become more serious concerns. EAPs assist in preventing the detrimental effects of unresolved disputes on people and teams by resolving problems early on.

4. Provides Building skills and provides education:

EAPs frequently provide training courses, workshops, or other materials with an emphasis on relationship building, conflict resolution, and communication skills. Through these experiences, employees may develop the abilities needed to successfully handle interpersonal issues.

5. Provides Mediation and Facilitation:

When there are disagreements between multiple individuals, EAPs can lead mediation sessions to assist people in expressing their worries, understanding other viewpoints, and attempting to reach a mutually beneficial resolution. Open communication, empathy, and teamwork among employees may all be fostered through mediation.

6. Provides follow-ups and support:

If additional support is needed, EAPs can offer recommendations to outside providers, such as online therapists or specialized services. EAPs also frequently provide follow-up support to make sure employees are making improvements and may get help again if necessary.

Workplace interpersonal problems may be harmful to people as well as companies. Understanding how important it is to deal with these problems early, Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) provide a useful solution. Employee assistance programs (EAPs) enable employees to successfully manage interpersonal issues by providing continuing support, skill-building opportunities, online counseling and therapy, and mediation services. Organizations may exhibit their dedication to creating a great work environment, improving employee well-being, reducing workplace stress, and establishing positive connections among team members by investing in EAPs. In the end, EAPs promote more productivity, greater job satisfaction, and a more peaceful workplace for everybody.

Contributed by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist & Life Coach &  Mr. CH Joseph, Counselling Psychologist