Making sure you have good relationships with your coworkers will help you be more productive in the workplace. If you are experiencing conflict, then you need to work on ways to immediately resolve the issue. Problems with coworkers can lead to further issues other than just not getting along. If management gets involved, you could lose your job.
Significance
It is important to keep relationships neutral with your coworkers and avoid conflict and situations that can cause jealousy or inappropriate behavior. If you currently have a problem with a coworker where you are unable to see eye to eye on a project or you feel like you cannot get along, try to resolve the problem on your own before going to management or your boss. Try to keep it as informal as possible, but have the conversation in a private setting. If she is willing to talk about it, you may be able to come to a mutual understanding; if she puts up a front or gets confrontational, you know it cannot be resolved between the two of you.
Types
Several types of problems can involve coworkers. "Backstabbing frenemy," "always project leader," "office gossip queen," "tattletale" and "boss's favorite" are all common problem children in many offices. "Frenemy" relationships are common in many work environments. Jealousy and backstabbing can cause hurt feelings that make working together difficult. Some coworkers may feel easily threatened by someone who always gets to be the project or team leader and always gets to go to lunch with the boss. Other coworkers who run to the boss and relay private, personal or business information can also instill conflict among their colleagues.
Considerations
Resolving conflicts should start with you being the bigger person and not playing into games or traps set by others. Try making a fresh start with the person or persons with whom you don't get along. Keep everything professional, but also be cordial and polite. Pay compliments and engage in conversations that allow the other person to be heard. Bring everything to the table and see if your differences can be resolved.
Benefits
Resolving problems with coworkers will help reduce stress and hopefully help you work better together. Helpguide.org explains that stress at work can have a negative impact on your productivity and mental health. Having a positive attitude around others and learning to manage your stress will help avoid further conflict in the workplace. Resolving conflict will help you concentrate on your own job performance and what you can do best within your position. Other benefits include being able to focus on projects, complete daily tasks and remain aware of how your coworkers react to stress in the workplace.
Warning
While human resources professionals recommend attempting to resolve conflict interpersonally, some situations warrant getting management or supervisors involved. Management may have to intervene if a problem is causing visible physical and mental stress on workers. If inappropriate behavior is recognized, reprimanding the person involved is part of most workplace protocol. If you are threatening a coworker or complaining to your supervisor that you cannot handle stress, you could be placed on probation or released from your job.
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