Conflict in the Workplace

 Resources

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Iowa State University offers you this program as one of its employee benefits. The EAP gives you timely and free access to confidential, professional services when you are facing a personal problem. The goal is to help you find solutions before the problem affects your health or job performance. Iowa State works with the Richmond Center to provide the EAP.

In Ames, contact 232-5811 and outside of Ames dial 1-800-830-7009.

Informal Resolution Options

The Ombuds Office

The Ombuds Office assists Iowa State faculty, staff and graduate and professional students with work-related problems. The Ombuds Officer acts as an informal problem-solver with an eye to resolving issues before they become formal grievances. All contacts with the Ombuds Officer are confidential. 

Ombuds Office- (515) 294-0268

Discrimination and Harassment Assistors

Discrimination and Harassment Assistors are employees of Iowa State specifically trained in dealing with and guiding people with discrimination and harassment complaints, helping to understand and work with the policies and laws, and finding the route a person feels most comfortable with to resolve their problems.  Assistors provide information, and can accompany their clients to meetings, however they do not act as an advocate or speak on behalf of the person they are helping.

Departmental Human Resources Liaisons

HR Liaisons are trained to help guide employees in their colleges and departments through HR processes.

Professional and Scientific Peer Advisory Committee (P & S Staff Only)

The purpose of this committee is to provide a confidential means for an employee to obtain perspective and advice about employment concerns from peers familiar with the policies, practices, and procedures of the university. The committee also seeks to ensure that an employee is aware of his/her rights and obligations and is cognizant of the various processes available for resolution of such issues.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity Office (Formal or Informal) 

Iowa State University's primary goal is to prevent discrimination and harassment and stop such behavior if it occurs. To that end, Iowa State University has adopted informal and formal processes through which discrimination and harassment complaints can be resolved.  Contact the EOD Office to learn more. 

 AFSCME Union Stewards

Organized Merit staff members are welcome to contact his or her union steward to seek advice.

 Human Resource Services, Employee and Labor Relations Office

The Office of Employee and Labor Relations is available to assist management and employees work through issues of conflict in the workplace.

Formal Resolution

Grievance Process

An employee (Organized, Non-Organized, or P & S) may choose to file a grievance to attempt to resolve his or her concern.  Please visit the Grievance Process Management link to learn more about the process to file a grievance.