Strategies and Tips

UMass can be a wonderful, rewarding place to work, and at the same time, working in a large public institution has challenges that can bring about conflict. Conflict is a normal part of every person’s work life and yet not many feel confident about dealing with it effectively. Here are some resources that may be of help.

For All Staff

• 3 reasons why active listening is a must-have skill
• Conflict Resolution at Work For Dummies Cheat Sheet
• The 8 Clear Signs Of A Workplace Culture Of Fear
• The Six Minute Summary of Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott
• 6 Tips for 'Managing Up' and What That Even Means
• Bullies At Work
• CPI’s Top 10 De-Escalation Tips

For Supervisors

Being a manager brings a special set of challenges. Here are some resources that may be of help.

• 13 Ways To Improve Communication At Work
• Building a Culture of Accountability
• How to Really Listen to Your Employees
• Why Inclusive Leaders Are Good for Organizations and How to Become One

On-campus Resources

• ​The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) is a free and confidential counseling, consultation, and referral service that assists employees in resolving personal, work-related, and family problems.
• The Stonewall Center provides support, resources, programming, and advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual (LGBTQIA) and allied students, staff, and faculty at UMass Amherst and for the larger Pioneer Valley.
• Workplace Learning and Development promotes employee and organizational growth, development, and empowerment by providing free workshops.
• The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (EO&D) addresses discrimination issues and manages related Grievance Policies and Title IX compliance.
• The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion takes reports of bias incidents.
• The Center for Women and Community provides counseling, Rape Crisis services, community education and trainings about sexual violence, healthy relationship and other topics, as well as information and referral services.
• The Partnership for Worker Education offers tailored instruction to frontline employees on campus and off, including those with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
• The Accessible Workplace Office handles workplace accommodations for staff and faculty.

Off-campus Resources

Through Mass4You Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (use access code: Mass4You), GIC benefits-eligible employees and their families can find easy access to a comprehensive suite of free, confidential support available 24/7, including:

• Three in-person or Tele-EAP (virtual) counseling visits per issue per year – at no cost
• 30-minute telephonic or in-person legal or mediation consultation per issue per year – at no cost
• Guidance from a financial advisor to help with debt, foreclosure, financial planning and more
• Get referrals for a variety of Work-Life convenience services: child care, elder care and more
• Access to Optum’s 24/7 confidential Substance Abuse Treatment Helpline and a licensed clinician

No formal enrollment is required.