Cost of workplace conflict spirals

The annual cost to employers of workplace conflicts reached nearly £29bn just before the pandemic – an average of just over £1,000 for every employee – according to an ACAS report. It was based on the total cost of handling conflicts and identified the annual cost of disciplinary dismissals at £10.5bn, the cost of sickness absences (£2.2bn) and of resignations (£11.9bn). Acas chief executive Susan Clews said the report showed handling disagreements and complaints early, before employment relationships are damaged, can help save businesses money.