Conflicts at work are unavoidable. However, these can escalate, be postponed and unresolved, or not addressed openly.
The University of Mainz has made it their goal to promote cooperative behavior in the workplace. For this reason, the work agreement “Cooperative Behavior in the Workplace” was decided on between the Staff Council and the heads of the organization in 2004. A conflict advisory center was also created.
What does the work agreement regulate?
JGU does not tolerate any activity contrary to the policy of cooperative behavior, such as
- Sexual harassment at work
- Discrimination on the basis of gender, disability, ethnic background, heritage, religion, nationality, age, or sexual orientation
- Bullying
The work agreement „Cooperative Behavior in the Workplace“ (Dienstvereinbarung "Partnerschaftliches Verhalten an der Universität Mainz") focuses on:
- Commitment to the basic rules of cooperative behavior at the university
- Prominent role for employees in leadership positions
- Prevention, early recognition and solving of conflicts
- What to do in a conflict
- Advising opportunities for victims and their departments
- Advising network
- Conflict Advisory Center
- Jurisdiction: all employees on campus and in Germersheim
In order for early recognition and prevention to be possible, employees are to be offered information and further education on the topic. People in leading positions are expected to be able to handle conflicts well and continually educate themselves on the topic. The ability to handle conflict should be included in performance appraisals. As a whole, the university aims to improve working conditions and increase work satisfaction.
The work agreement regulates procedures in cases of conflict: Employees have a right to advising and support, they have the right to complain. In case of a complain, the relevant department has a duty to act and is obliged to investigate the complaint. Most important are measures to clear up and resolve conflicts.