Observed on the third Thursday in October each year, Conflict Resolution Day promotes the concept of solving interpersonal problems without the parties involved inflicting significant harm on each other.

Conflict resolution is the informal or formal process through which two or more parties find a peaceful solution to their dispute. In the workplace, conflict can occur between individuals, such as co-workers, subordinates, and their supervisors, or between service providers and their customers.

It can also take place between groups. For example, there may be conflicts between labor and management or interdepartmental conflicts. This day exists to help everyone find a better way to resolve their conflicts with one another.

The History of Conflict Resolution Day

This holiday was created by the Association for Conflict Resolution in 2005. They established this day to promote awareness about arbitration, mediation, conciliation, and other methods of resolving conflict.

They also created it to encourage the use of common conflict resolution methods in schools, businesses, communities, government departments, and even in the legal system.

Important Facts About Conflict Resolution

We wanted to list some facts about conflict resolution that people could easily digest while they were thinking about whether they wanted to celebrate Conflict Resolution Day, so we assembled the following facts. We hope that the below facts will give people the information they need to move toward resolving conflicts in their lives.

• Conflict resolution requires recognition by both parties that a problem exists, mutual agreement to address the issue, and an effort to understand the concerns of the opposing group.
• Conflict resolution also requires a willingness of both sides to cooperate, agreement on a plan to address differences, and disciplining employees who resist efforts to defuse conflicts.
• Conflict resolution requires assertiveness, active listening skills, empathy, and facilitation.
• Other skills important for conflict resolution include conflict analysis, critical thinking, goal integration, and problem-solving skills.

Observing Conflict Resolution Day

Conflict Resolution Day is officially observed by organizations, businesses, and government agencies all over the world.

It’s also observed by individuals who want to improve their interpersonal conflict resolution skills. Word about this day can be spread using the hashtag #ConflictResolutionDay on social media.