Employee management is important at every organization, regardless of whether it's in the public or private sector. In higher education, where administrators and other professionals at the school are relied on to set an example for a younger generation, this is crucial. Unfortunately, higher education administrative offices are struggling to properly manage personnel and handle disputes in an efficient manner.
This has become particularly problematic in the United Kingdom. According to the Times Higher Education, schools have spent more than $30 million settling employee disputes over a four-year period ranging from 2010 to 2013. The news source says this is unacceptable, as it can have a number of negative impacts on the institution.
"Worryingly, this is just the tip of the iceberg," the article says. "Quite apart from all the institutions that did not provide figures, there are also major invisible costs, such as all the management hours spent handling disputes, the lost productivity of those directly involved and the cost of sick leave when the stress gets to be too much. Then there is reputational damage, which occurs even when cases do not hit the headlines as word spreads quickly among academics."
While this report is about colleges and universities in the United Kingdom, it's not a problem exclusive to that sector. In the United States, businesses that spend significantly to resolve personnel disputes are doing themselves and their customers a disservice. Ultimately, it comes down to having management who can help settle any problems in a timely manner. Working with an executive search firm can help acquire the right leaders to properly manage workplace disputes.
