Problems in the Church Workplace Tools to ease tension and increase productivity by Richard Shaw T wo men are trying to decide how to remove old floor finish in the basement of a church. A difference of opinion in what methods and chemicals to use results in a yelling match. The argument becomes so vicious that the children run out of the room. An administrative assistant in the church office is late for work nearly every morning. When a coworker finally talks to him about the situation, the employee unleashes a tirade about the irritating habits of others in the office.
Conflict is inevitable, even in the church workplace.
Church leaders may try to overlook it, but trouble doesn't just go away. Even minor conflicts can simmer to the point of violence. In 1998, more than a million physical assaults took place in the workplace, some by fellow workers and some by family members who came to the workplace to settle a dispute. About 150 of those assaults resulted in death. Handling conflict in the workplace isn't easy.