Disagreements in care teams are unavoidable. What matters is how quickly and calmly they’re resolved.

Most conflict doesn’t start with shouting, it builds up quietly over time. Conflict usually starts with poor communication, something left unsaid and no resolution, causing the conflict to escalate. In care settings, where the work is already under pressure, unresolved conflicts don’t just cause stress, they affect the care being delivered.

Here’s what works:

• Pay attention early: You’ll often see conflict before you hear it. Watch for withdrawal, eye contact being avoided, repeated rota issues
• Don’t ignore it: A quick conversation now is better than a formal complaint later
• Notice effort: Recognition goes a long way and often can carry more weight than a formal reward scheme
• Make conflict training part of the job: Your staff team should know how to raise concerns and manage difficult conversations, not just follow policy. Check out our training HERE