Returning Employees May Experience Workplace Conflict

Off Duty Officers
4 min readMay 19, 2022
workplace conflict when employees return to work

There is nothing like the feeling of freedom to make decisions without the constant hovering of the boss watching over your shoulder. This carefree environment is one of the many facets people enjoyed during the pandemic, along with reduced workplace traffic and some autonomy in making decisions. Many seized the opportunity to expand work areas, using vacant offices and conference rooms as extended workspace. While this was a lovely time for many, as employees are being called back in large numbers, the space somehow seems a bit smaller than before. Workplace conflict has existed since the beginning, and the fluctuating on and off employees in the workplace due to the pandemic seem to have added to the uncomfortable adjustment everyone must make.

Shared Spaces Seem Smaller

Conference rooms, parking spots, and vacant offices are at the top of the list of spaces that have not been an issue for months and even years that are suddenly hot areas. As time passes and people settle in, the need may not be as urgent, but at the onset of everyone returning, there is sure to be some frustration and attitude. It makes sense for corporations dealing with this scenario to hire some private security guards for the transition, allowing people to work safely and without disruption. Excellent security guard providers offer armed and unarmed guards that can immediately provide order and security to the workplace. The presence of security is often enough of a deterrent for people who may be feeling disgruntled in the office. A security guard can also help monitor the parking lot, ensuring no unwanted activity is taking place outside of the building.

Some People Simply Will Not Stay

It is a reality that the returning of many employees will be a transition, and for some, it may be too much to bear. Many people discovered things about themselves and their needs during the pandemic. The results of this time of reflection may be people returning to work who don’t want to be there. It may be someone coming back and realizing they do not want to stay in that role. Others, to be honest, may not do well with the new need to share space and the closer supervision that comes when everybody returns. In any of these circumstances, employee tensions can arise. When terminations or resignations happen in the heat of the moment, employees should not be expected to manage these situations without an emotional reaction. Only highly trained security guards have the experience and calm demeanor to handle these situations professionally and without disrupting others at the workplace.

Security Guards Serve as Staff Extension

The best security guards in the workplace understand the importance of developing working relationships and a solid rapport with those in the office. Recognizing unusual behavior or identifying someone who may need medical attention is an invaluable insight that exceptional guards bring to the table. Private security has backgrounds in the law enforcement and military branches, ensuring thorough training for emergencies. Suppose any situation occurs in the office, such as an evacuation, a fire, or a first aid need. In that case, security guards have the tools, knowledge, and skills to handle all of them successfully. As an extension of existing staff, security guards take the pressure off of other employees to perform these daunting tasks and provide a level of safety and workplace security that otherwise does not exist.

Finding the Most Qualified Security Guards

Once it has been determined that the workplace needs a security guard on-site during these transitional times, finding the best guards available can feel like a hurdle. The good news is that nationwide providers have expert security coordinators available 24 hours a day, ready to walk clients through the process and find a solution that fits the budget and needs. Looking at clients’ testimonials and finding an established firm with many years of experience means highly trained and qualified guards.

Some questions people consider are how long a security guard may be needed, how many security guards are necessary, whether the guard should be armed or unarmed, whether we want security in a uniform or street attire, etc. Hiring private security is an investment, and it is critical to get what you need without blowing the budget. More reputable and established firms will be able to offer more options with fully customizable security solutions. Many people think all security guards are the same, doing one thing. Quite the contrary! The best-trained security guards are incredibly capable men and women who integrate with the staff and fill many roles while responsible for the safety of those in the workplace. Every workplace will benefit from employees and customers at ease and relaxed, which can quickly be established with a security presence.

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