All About People

In April, I arrived in Sydney just after dawn, beginning a long-anticipated journey to reconnect with dear friends, relatives, and colleagues, some of whom I hadn’t seen in many years, and others now living with dementia. This wasn’t a typical holiday. It was a journey grounded in values that feel more vital to me with each passing year: the importance of showing up, of being truly present, and of recognising that relationships are not sustained through screens, but through time, attention, and shared space.

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When I reflect on my years working in HR, and now as a mediator, I’m struck by how much of our day-to-day experience of conflict is deeply human, yet also rooted in broader, systemic patterns. It’s easy to get caught up in the details of a dispute, a complaint, a poor meeting, a missed deadline—but scratch the surface, and there’s often a story of power, identity, and unmet needs.

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Conflicts are an inevitable part of any workplace, but with the right tools and resources, they can be managed effectively and constructively. Equipping teams with the strategies, policies, and training they need to handle disputes can transform conflicts into opportunities for growth and collaboration.

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One of this April’s blogs was meant to be another article reflecting my passion for the music of Philip Glass—specifically a review of the new production of Akhnaten at the Komische Oper Berlin. I’d been looking forward to it for months, tickets booked, hotel sorted, and calendar cleared. But as with many things in life—and indeed, in conflict—things didn’t quite go to plan. A last-minute illness meant I had to cancel the trip and focus on recovering ahead of another major journey to Australia and New Zealand.

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Preventing workplace conflicts before they arise is far more effective than dealing with their aftermath. While conflicts inevitably take place in any dynamic team environment, implementing proactive strategies can significantly reduce their frequency and impact. Prevention doesn’t mean avoiding difficult conversations – it’s about creating a culture where potential issues are addressed early and constructively.

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Our workplace is more connected, diverse, and flexible than ever before. There are opportunities for innovation and collaboration without borders. However, these benefits come with unique challenges, particularly when it comes to managing conflicts. Hybrid and remote work arrangements, digital communication, and global teams introduce complexities that require new strategies for resolution.

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International Women’s Day this year took place on 8th March 2025. It was a time to reflect on the challenges and achievements of women worldwide. Now that the day has passed, it is thoughtful to remind ourselves of one of the many subjects discussed. This year, we focussed on women’s experiences in conflict—whether in the workplace, in leadership, or in broader societal struggles. Conflict is not inherently negative; it can be a catalyst for change. However, women experience and navigate conflict differently from men, often having to challenge stereotypes, push against systemic biases, and adopt nuanced strategies to be heard and respected.

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Posted: 20th March 2025

In any workplace, professionals encounter challenges that can lead to conflict – misaligned goals, misunderstandings, or even differences in working styles. While conflicts are inevitable, they don’t have to derail progress or harm relationships. In fact, with the right skills, professionals can turn disagreements into opportunities for growth and collaboration.

At All About People, we’ve seen time and again how developing strong conflict resolution skills empowers individuals to approach workplace tensions with confidence and clarity. These skills aren’t just for managers – they’re essential for anyone who wants to thrive in a professional environment.

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Posted: 8th March 2025

Workplace conflicts are a reality of professional life. Whether it’s a disagreement about deadlines, clashing personalities, or miscommunication, these tensions are bound to arise when people work together. However, what truly defines a strong and successful team is how conflicts are handled.
At All About People, we believe the key to a productive and positive workplace isn’t avoiding disagreements but addressing them early and effectively. Left unchecked, minor misunderstandings can escalate into larger issues that affect morale, productivity, and trust. Nipping disagreements in the bud is essential to maintaining a harmonious workplace and preventing unnecessary disruptions.

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Work should always be a force for good. Yet, according to the 2024 CIPD Good Work Index: North of England report, one in four workers in the North of England has experienced workplace conflict in the past year. Many incidents, such as verbal abuse and harassment, go unreported, leave employees feeling unable to speak up which can impact their trust and relationship with their manager as well as mental health issues. Their 2024 report states that the proportion of employees who feel their work is a force for good, or who experience positive aspects of work (e.g., job satisfaction, fair treatment, or meaningful work) has fallen from 30% in 2019 to 25% in 2024.

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Workplace conflicts often go unresolved because employees may hesitate to speak up, but managers, with HR support, can take proactive steps to foster open communication. Creating a culture where employees feel confident to voice concerns requires time and effort from both managers and staff. When managers actively listen and show generosity with their time and attention, it builds trust and collaboration that benefits everyone. While robust reporting mechanisms and escalation policies are vital, the focus should be on addressing issues early to prevent escalation. This month, we’re sharing two articles offering strategies for managers and employees to prevent and resolve workplace conflicts, following our mantra of ‘nipping issues in the bud’—practical life skills that benefit us all. Here, Geoffrey Milton provides actionable insights to empower individuals in addressing conflict effectively.

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You may have read my previous piece on Naqoyqatsi, which I experienced in Dublin earlier in 2024. Now, I want to share my thoughts on Koyaanisqatsi, the first film in Godfrey Reggio’s trilogy, which I had the privilege of seeing in Portland, Oregon, in November last year. Having had time to reflect, I can now fully appreciate this extraordinary event.

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In our latest Bitesize video, All About People's Geoffrey Milton discusses the benefits of using mediation to resolve disputes.

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To spread some holiday cheer, we’re excited to present our twist on the classic "12 Days of Christmas." Get ready for All About People’s “12 Days of Christmas: From Conflict to Holiday Harmony”!
Here, we share practical tips, insights, and festive inspiration to help make this season joyful and harmonious for everyone.

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Posted: 16th December 2024

In our latest Bitesize video, All About People's Geoffrey Milton discusses the different models of mediation - facilitative and evaluative.

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This article is part of an ongoing series exploring my interest in composer Philip Glass’s work, and how his music intersects with themes of conflict and dispute resolution.I recently attended the Irish premiere of Naqoyqatsi, a live orchestral and film experience presented by the Philip Glass Ensemble and the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, commissioned by the National Concert Hall Dublin. This event offered a rare opportunity to witness Glass’ haunting, rhythmic composition alongside Godfrey Reggio’s powerful visuals on the big screen—a combination that stimulated reflections on my work in mediation and conflict coaching.

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Posted: 20th November 2024

As the new semester kicks off, I’ve had the privilege of guiding third-year undergraduates at Roehampton University through the principles of Business Ethics and responsible management. These discussions have inspired me to reflect on my mediation practice and the ethical values at the core of what we do.

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Posted: 12th November 2024

In this brief update, we’re diving back into the Employment Rights Bill and exploring how these sweeping changes could shake up employment law. The government published the Employment Rights Bill on 10 October 2024, laying out 28 big reforms. They also released a forward-looking document titled ‘Next Steps to Make Work Pay,’ outlining their vision for a fairer workplace. These changes are expected to come into play by 2026, following extensive consultation with stakeholders—employers, employee representatives, and unions alike.

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Posted: 7th November 2024

In the latest edition of our 'Bitesize' series, Geoffrey Milton, Founder and Director of All About People explains they key stages of workplace mediation.

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Posted: 24th October 2024

In a recent article by Thames Valley Police Force, they announced the launch of a dedicated anti-social behaviour (ASB) mediation service, which will be available to all communities across the Thames Valley. Here, Geoffrey Milton, founder of All About People discusses that whilst the police play a crucial role in addressing these issues, there is also a significant place for mediation and conflict management coaching to support community harmony and resolve conflicts before they escalate.

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Posted: 21st October 2024

In the first edition of our 'Bitesize' series, Geoffrey Milton, Founder and Director of All About People explains what mediation is and when to use it.

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Posted: 11th October 2024

In today’s complex work environments, fostering an inclusive leadership style is paramount to creating a positive workplace culture and avoiding conflict. In this blog, Geoffrey Milton explores strategies for cultivating such leadership, with a focus on accountability, conflict resolution, and the role of line managers in promoting an inclusive organisational culture.

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Posted: 11th October 2024

Last week, I had the pleasure of traveling to Hannover to witness a new production of Philip Glass’s opera Satyagraha, performed by the Hannover Staatsoper. Though I’ve seen this opera many times, I was particularly excited to experience this fresh interpretation of Gandhi’s transformative journey and the concept of "truth force" or Satyagraha—a philosophy that resonates deeply with my work in conflict resolution.

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Posted: 14th September 2024

In my previous blog, I explored the ongoing battle between Mr. Bates and The Post Office, and the challenges faced in mediation. Since then, new developments have shed more light on this complex case, particularly the ongoing struggle for compensation for sub-postmasters impacted by the faulty Horizon computer system.

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Posted: 14th September 2024

In the evolving landscape of workplace dynamics, conflicts are an inevitable part of any organisation. Traditionally, mediation has relied heavily on human expertise to navigate the complex emotional and interpersonal issues that arise in disputes. However, the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising this process, offering new tools and techniques to help mediate workplace disputes more efficiently and effectively. At All About People, we are excited to explore how AI can complement traditional methods of dispute resolution, enhancing outcomes for organisations and their employees.

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Posted: 12th September 2024

In a rapidly evolving employment landscape, workplace conflict remains a pressing issue for organisations across the UK. As highlighted by the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) in their September 2024 update, this concern continues to be a major focus for HR professionals.

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With the recent change in government, we are on the brink of significant shifts in employment law. The newly proposed Employment Bill, part of the government's ambitious ‘New Deal’ for workers under the ‘Make Work Pay’ plan, promises to reshape the landscape of workers' rights, pay, job security, and discrimination. These changes will impact organisations of all sizes, necessitating a proactive approach to compliance and employee relations. At All About People, we believe that dispute resolution, mediation, and conflict management coaching will be more essential than ever in helping organisations navigate these changes smoothly as our founder, Geoffrey Milton explains.

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Workplace disputes are an inevitable part of organisational life. Much has been written about the causes of disputes in the workplace, often it is a small issue which, if allowed to go unchecked, develops into a bigger concern which can lead to decreased productivity, low morale, and high employee turnover. Here are some of the key areas of why and how disputes occur in the workplace. At All About People we engage and work with managers and staff to understanding the root causes of these disputes, and work towards creating a harmonious work environment.

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The Post Office, scandal which has hardly been out of the news in the first half of 2024, has captured the nation’s attention. The gripping, high-impact real-life story appeared in everyone’s living room in the form of an ITV with mini-series Mr Bates vs The Post Office. The series was brilliantly cast with outstanding performances by many actors, especially Toby Jones and Julie Hesmondhalgh. The unjust treatment of hundreds of sub-postmasters was, the Post Office claimed, mitigated by mediation was covered in the third episode. It was clear that what the Post Office had proposed and created was not a method of mediation but an inquiry panel attempting to bully sub-postmasters into submission. The Post Office’s version of mediation was neither fair nor conciliatory.

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Over 81% of people said they have been directly involved in conflict in the workplace, with a further 13% citing that they have been indirectly involved in conflict in the workplace (*statistics from AAP research). So, with workplace conflict affecting 94% of the workforce, Geoffrey Milton, Founder and Director at All About People explores what steps can organisations take to restore harmony.

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As our previous blog explained conflict in the workplace can affect both physical and mental health. So, when it comes to sharing differences of opinion, particularly with senior colleagues, this type of conflict situation has to be navigated extremely carefully to ensure an effective outcome and long-term harmony. All About People's founder and Director Geoffrey Milton shares his experiences through discussing the best ways to manage conflicting viewpoints with senior colleagues to optimise a productive conversation and succeed in disputes not escalating.

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From differences of opinions, misunderstandings, communication breakdowns, or competing priorities, workplace conflicts can occur for many reasons. Whilst conflict in the workplace is normal and even inevitable, it can have substantial consequences when it comes to our mental well-being if it is not addressed. Here, our founder and Director Geoffrey Milton explores the negative impacts of workplace conflict on our mental health, and provides tips on how to navigate workplace conflict to protect and improve overall mental well-being.

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Conflict happens in every organisation, although we may not always recognise it as such. If conflicts – small or large – are not managed, they can develop into problems that can impact everything from workplace culture, productivity to brand or organisation reputation. So, whilst conflict in the workplace is normal and inevitable, it is not always a negative force. In certain circumstances, conflict can be positive. Here, our founder and Director Geoffrey Milton explains how conflict coaching can contribute to a positive workplace.

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All About People is delighted to invite you to join our founder, and accredited mediator, Geoffrey Milton for a complimentary webinar on:

Thursday 21st March
1pm – 2pm

This webinar is based on the work of leading international conflict coach, Cinnie Noble. Geoffrey is a qualified coach and uses her model in his work.

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Register for the Webinar