Disputes aren’t always negative, and can in fact be healthy if conducted respectfully. They can cause people to see things from different points of view. They can stimulate creativity and new ideas. They can help a business to find the best path forward through exploring different opinions.

However, disputes can become toxic when there is suspicion and a lack of respect, and when the employee considers that the dispute has not been dealt with fairly.  We are more likely to avoid disputes if we understand the many negative consequences that can occur from disputes.  

1. Slower return to work

Statistics show employees who are treated poorly when injured are slower to return to work. There are many reasons for this, but the perception that the employer doesn’t care about the employee’s health and the feeling that the workplace is to blame for the injury can both to have an impact.

2. Disputes over return to work duties

Employers are obliged to provide suitable duties for their injured employees when they return to work, along with modifications to the workspace where practical.  Expecting the injured employee to carry out tasks they are not cleared for often leads to more time off work due to re-injury.  This is a common issue, in many cases the issues are sorted out in a timely fashion.  However in some cases the worker, perhaps already unhappy, will stop work entirely.  

3. Poor perception of the workplace by other employees

When co-workers sense an injured worker has been treated badly by the employer they will expect the same treatment. This lowers morale, and often results in reduced productivity. It may also extend into lower staff retention rates.

4. Poor public perception of the business

Disputes over compensation claims result in a poorer public perception of the company by customers and the general public. People prefer to do business with companies which treat their employees well, and may choose to take their business elsewhere if news of the dispute spreads.

5. Costlier claims and higher premiums

If the employee involved in the dispute is treated badly, their return to work is likely to be much slower, there is more likely to be legal involvement, and there is an increased chance the employee will never return to the workplace.  This leads to higher costs and potentially higher premiums.

The handling of injuries and the employee’s return to work during the recovery stages works best as a cooperative process. Should disputes arise, the best approach is to attempt to resolve them quickly rather than allowing the dispute to become worse.