In today’s workplace, conflict is inevitable — but tribunal claims don’t have to be. What many organisations don’t realise is that most disputes that escalate into formal action could have been resolved much earlier with the right training, processes, and conversations in place.
Tribunals are not only financially draining; they are slow, stressful, and hugely disruptive. With the current backlog, many cases are delayed for one to two years before they’re heard. During that time, businesses face ongoing uncertainty, mounting legal costs, reputational risk, and the emotional strain of having an unresolved dispute hanging over them. For smaller organisations, it can be overwhelming.
But the good news? Most of this is preventable.
Effective conflict management isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s a critical investment in your people, culture, and bottom line. When managers are equipped with proper training on conducting disciplinaries, handling grievances, and navigating difficult conversations, issues can be addressed early, fairly, and confidently. This not only reduces risk but also builds trust and reduces tension across the organisation.
I’ve seen firsthand how the right approach transforms outcomes. With clear guidance, structured processes, and confident people managers, conflicts are resolved quickly and professionally — long before they could ever spiral into a tribunal claim.
If businesses want to protect themselves from unnecessary costs, stress, and legal exposure, the answer is simple: invest in your people managers and strengthen your conflict management capability. It pays off every time.
If you are looking HR consluting for your business, then please get in touch and find out how we can help today.