Today we are working in a more diverse society and the challenge to be more culturally competent is ever-present. Employees come from a variety of different backgrounds and cultures and this can sometimes lead to unfortunate misunderstandings in the workplace. It is important for people to work together, in groups, businesses or institutions, to ensure that they not only respect diversity but deal sensitively with the complexities of working across cultures. Increased sensitivity and confidence in meeting these challenges can lead to a happy and productive workforce.
Sometimes, it is hard to be both an individual and a member of a group, yet both are required for organisational well-being and a culture of success. Workplace conflicts are inevitable and can be sources of stress, disruption and inefficiency. The dynamics of people working in groups can sometimes do harm to personal well-being and organisational relationships, and these in turn could damage the reputation of an organisation. Misunderstanding of cultural and racial differences for example, could exacerbate tensions in the workplace, leading to possible breakdown.
External consultancy can benefit organisations in many ways. It can help reduce conflict in the workplace by facilitating early intervention work and providing independent advice, guidance, group facilitation and mediation. Organisations can be helped to re-examine their work practices, understand diversity in its broadest sense, and keep in place effective systems for supporting staff at all levels.
Investing in group consultancy can bring cost-productive gains, avoiding lengthy and expensive complaints procedures and also help in repairing damage done by misunderstanding. An experienced consultant offers a combination of psychotherapeutic, organisational, coaching and mediation skills, with an emphasis on care for the caretakers. All forms of consultancy enable workers to have a better understanding of how organisational systems work and how personal and group culture can influence work dynamics for better or worse.
Dr Aileen Alleyne is an experienced organisational consultant with specialist knowledge and skills in helping teams to address issues of race and diversity in the workplace. With over sixteen years experience of working in the voluntary and statutory sector, Dr Alleyne has provided consultancy to the NHS, Social Services and Education. She brings to her consultancy, a solid professional background comprising of her work as a registered psychotherapist, clinical supervisor and group facilitator. Her consultancy is informed by her clinical research into workplace stress and its many effects on aspects of self and identity. Her published work on issues of race and cultural diversity in the workplace are available on the publications page of this site.
Conflict resolution for teams — from £500 per day plus travel expenses. Fees can be negotiated for shorter and longer contracts.