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

Campus Resources

• Accessibility at UMass Resources Listing - information for staff about a range of resources supporting an accessible campus and learning environment
• Center for Women and Community - provides counseling, referrals, rape crisis services; offers community education and trainings about sexual violence, healthy relationships, and more
• Employee Counseling and Consultation Office (ECCO - formerly FSAP) - offers free and confidential counseling, consultation, and referral services that assist employees in resolving personal, work-related, and family problems
• Equal Opportunity and Access (EO&A) - addresses discrimination complaints, ADA access concerns, Title IX compliance, and manages the related grievance policies and procedures 
• Equity and Inclusion - works to foster a climate that is welcoming to all by organizing educational programming, promoting collaborations, and regularly assessing the campus climate
• Partnership for Worker Education - offers tailored instruction to frontline employees on campus and off, including those with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds
• 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 
• Worplace Bullying - provides training and resources for preventing workplace bullying, guidance and support for employees impacted, and administers the procedures for formal grievances
• Workplace Learning and Development - promotes employee and organizational growth, development, and empowerment by providing free workshops

Other 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.