Harmony & Conflict: Why Healthy Workplaces Need Both

The Workhuman 2019 conference in Nashville featured a content track dedicated to navigating emotions in the workplace. This led to discussions around the balance of conflict and harmony, as well as professionalism and vulnerability, as necessary components of a healthy work environment. Jennifer Crow, a grief and trauma response consultant, discussed how employers can better support employees through traumatic events, which can lead to employees taking fewer days off work and increase loyalty to the company. Mary Faulkner, a talent strategist, spoke on how companies can help employees with chronic medical conditions. Liane Davey, a best-selling author and co-founder of 3COze, explored why productive conflict can actually strengthen teams, as long as it is managed effectively. She explained how conflict debt compounds when issues aren't addressed, with avoidance leading to a decrease in productivity and morale. Companies need to strike a balance, allowing for disagreement and dissent while maintaining the cohesion of the team.