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Last updated on Mar 28, 2025
  1. All
  2. HR Management
  3. Human Resources (HR)

Your employees are at odds with their HR business partner. How can you help them navigate the conflict?

Managing conflict with HR can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can foster better communication and understanding.

When your employees are at odds with their HR business partner, it's crucial to mediate effectively to ensure a harmonious work environment. Here's how you can help them navigate the conflict:

  • Encourage open dialogue: Facilitate a meeting where both parties can express their concerns and perspectives.

  • Clarify roles and expectations: Ensure everyone understands the HR partner's role and how they can support each other.

  • Seek a neutral mediator: If needed, bring in a third party to help resolve the conflict impartially.

What strategies have you found effective in resolving workplace conflicts?

Human Resources Human Resources

Human Resources

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Last updated on Mar 28, 2025
  1. All
  2. HR Management
  3. Human Resources (HR)

Your employees are at odds with their HR business partner. How can you help them navigate the conflict?

Managing conflict with HR can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can foster better communication and understanding.

When your employees are at odds with their HR business partner, it's crucial to mediate effectively to ensure a harmonious work environment. Here's how you can help them navigate the conflict:

  • Encourage open dialogue: Facilitate a meeting where both parties can express their concerns and perspectives.

  • Clarify roles and expectations: Ensure everyone understands the HR partner's role and how they can support each other.

  • Seek a neutral mediator: If needed, bring in a third party to help resolve the conflict impartially.

What strategies have you found effective in resolving workplace conflicts?

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25 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Hassan Tirmizi, FCIPD, CMgr FCMI, FCPHR

    OD&D Maverick | Global HR Thought Leader | People & Culture Architect | Transformation Coach | Training Maven | Chartered Fellow CIPD | Chartered Manager Fellow (CMgr FCMI)

    • Report contribution

    When employees are at odds with their HR business partner, it's like a miscommunication game where no one's winning. To resolve this, start by listening. Take the time to understand both sides without rushing to conclusions. Then, facilitate a calm, structured conversation where both parties can express their concerns and needs. The goal is to build empathy and find common ground. Encourage them to focus on solutions rather than blame. Reframe the situation as an opportunity for growth and better collaboration. When in doubt, remind them: "Sometimes, the best breakthroughs come from the toughest conversations!"

    Like
    3
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    R.L. Fernando G.

    Human Resources Head & Executive | Hospitality, Tourism, Service, Operations, Corporate, & Academe | Top 100 Talent Leaders 2024 | LinkedIn Top Voice | People & DEI Expert | Learning Architect | Transformational Leader

    • Report contribution

    I’ve seen this firsthand—a team feeling unheard, and an HRBP feeling misunderstood. Instead of choosing sides, I called for a coffee chat. Not a meeting. A conversation. We unpacked assumptions, clarified roles, and most importantly—listened. Sometimes, conflict stems not from malice, but from misalignment. As leaders, we bridge that gap by creating safe spaces for real talk. Compassion and curiosity go a long way.

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    2
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Owais Baig

    HR Manager @ Young's | Strategic Partner, Positive Work Culture

    • Report contribution

    Navigating conflict between employees and their HR business partner requires open communication, neutrality, and a problem-solving approach. I start by understanding both sides through private discussions, ensuring all concerns are heard without bias. Facilitating a constructive conversation helps clarify misunderstandings and align expectations. Encouraging transparency, setting clear boundaries, and reinforcing HR’s role in supporting employees fosters trust. If needed, I suggest process improvements to address recurring issues. By promoting mutual understanding and collaboration, I create a more positive and productive working relationship.

    Like
    2
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Irfan Ahmed Gul, SHRM-SCP

    Global HR Leader | Transforming Workplaces & Driving Organizational Excellence | Leadership Coach | Expert in Talent & Culture Strategies | 25+ Years in Manufacturing, Construction, Retail & Services

    • Report contribution

    If your employees are having issues with their HR business partner, start by listening to both sides. Understand the root of the conflict and encourage open, honest communication. Help them find common ground and suggest working together to solve the problem, rather than focusing on blame. Sometimes, having a neutral third party involved can help smooth things over. The goal is to create a space where everyone feels heard and respected!

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    2
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    Contributor profile photo
    Shehnaz Tarapore

    Secretary, Executive Assistant, Personal Assistant, Office Administrator

    • Report contribution

    First be human. Agreed to a point that HR is also fired but then is it not the management to be blamed for as they treat HR and the workforce as non billing income as benched hours? Who will implement these changes? How will you stop a Toxic environment or a person, especially if he is billing the highest invoicing? HR has an answer to it? Workforce has an observation to it? Yes, but will they agree?

    Like
    1
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    R. Orlando Rodriguez

    HR Technology & Operations Leader | Driving Business Transformation Through Strategic Talent Solutions & Organizational Excellence

    • Report contribution

    Navigating tension between teams is tricky but so common. Here’s how I’d approach it, based on what’s worked for me: 1. Listen First, Fix Later Start by giving both sides a safe space to vent without judgment. Often, the real issue isn’t the surface-level conflict—it’s unmet expectations, miscommunication, or feeling unheard. 2. Clarify the ‘Why’ Remind everyone that HRBP’s and employees ultimately want the same thing: a healthy, productive workplace. But HR’s role is to balance individual needs with company policies (which can feel impersonal). Acknowledge that tension upfront—it helps humanize both sides. Conflict isn’t the enemy—it’s just a signpost for where to grow. Keep the dialogue kind, curious, and focused on solutions!

    Like
    1
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Aftab Khan

    HR Leader | Global Talent Strategist | HR Transformation & Employee Engagement Expert | Talent Acquisition | Driving Workforce Excellence Across 10+ Markets in Asia & Middle East | Diversity & Inclusion Champion

    • Report contribution

    To help employees navigate conflict with their HR business partner, I would first encourage open dialogue by listening to employees' concerns to understand their perspectives and any underlying issues. I would then facilitate a constructive conversation between the employees and the HR business partner, promoting transparency, empathy, and mutual understanding. If needed, I would mediate the discussion to ensure it remains solution-oriented, focusing on finding common ground and actionable steps to rebuild trust. Additionally, I would encourage ongoing communication and follow-up to ensure the resolution is effective and relationships are positively restored.

    Like
    1
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    GARGI BANERJEE

    HR Leader| GPHR | Influential LinkedIn voice | Transformative People Strategies | Architect of Culture & Talent Development | Spearheading HR Innovation | Strategic Partner in Navigating the Future of Work

    • Report contribution

    When employees find themselves at odds with their HR business partner, it is crucial for leadership to step in and facilitate resolution. Start by creating a safe space for open dialogue, encouraging both employees and HR to express their concerns without fear of retaliation. Act as a neutral mediator, ensuring that misunderstandings are clarified and both sides feel heard. Additionally, provide training on effective communication and conflict resolution to help employees navigate workplace disputes professionally. If the conflict stems from policy enforcement, take time to explain the rationale behind decisions while also considering employee feedback for potential improvements.

    Like
    1
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Irfan Ahmed Gul, SHRM-SCP

    Global HR Leader | Transforming Workplaces & Driving Organizational Excellence | Leadership Coach | Expert in Talent & Culture Strategies | 25+ Years in Manufacturing, Construction, Retail & Services

    • Report contribution

    To help employees navigate conflict with their HR business partner, start by understanding the root cause through one-on-one conversations with both sides. Facilitate open, mediated discussions where both parties can express their concerns and work toward mutual understanding. Clarify expectations for each party, ensuring HR policies are well-understood by employees and vice versa. Develop collaborative solutions that address both HR's processes and employee needs, creating actionable steps to move forward. Finally, follow up regularly to ensure the conflict is resolved and offer ongoing support to prevent future issues.

    Like
    1
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Irfan Ahmed Gul, SHRM-SCP

    Global HR Leader | Transforming Workplaces & Driving Organizational Excellence | Leadership Coach | Expert in Talent & Culture Strategies | 25+ Years in Manufacturing, Construction, Retail & Services

    • Report contribution

    To help your employees navigate conflict with their HR business partner, start by fostering open communication. Encourage both sides to express their concerns and listen actively to each other’s viewpoints. Set up a neutral meeting space where each party can share their perspective without interruption. Be sure to focus on the issues at hand rather than personal differences. Help them find common ground by identifying shared goals, like improving team dynamics or achieving company objectives. Offer support in finding a practical solution, whether it’s clarifying roles, improving communication, or adjusting expectations. If necessary, involve a mediator to facilitate the conversation and guide them toward a resolution.

    Like
    1
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