Old Staff vs New Staff conflict

[Epiphany74]

Some of you may know, I run my own small coffee shop. I took over from the previous owner in July and kept all the existing staff. Things seemed to be going OK until I hired a new supervisor. I like her and we get along well, but the rest of the staff seem to have taken a dislike to her. I suspect it is because she is new and not from their original circle, but it has got to a stage now where it is effecting morale. My duty manager keeps taking me aside to complain about the new girl's attitude and my other supervisor is very snide about her. It's getting me down - it's hard enough running a small business without this sort of whinging. I was thinking about calling a meeting of senior staff to clear the air and hopefully get things moving forward in a more harmonious way. But I'm also wary of allegations flying, extra bitterness or even bullying creeping in. Should I have a meeting and what should I say?

[dixie1]

I've worked as a manager for a few years now in hotels and bitchiness and snide comments unfortunately always crop up, especially amongst new and old staff.

I think you are absoloutely right to sit them all down and clear the air.

Tell them that it has been brought to your attention that some members of staff are having some issues with each other, that you will not tolerate it especially when it is effecting staff morale. This is something that your customers will be able to pick up on and it is unprofessional. Giving them all a chance to speak individually and air any grievances.

If it starts to get heated ask the person/s causing the atmosphere to leave the room and tell them that you will speak to them individually later on.

[Pea Pod]

How small is small. You seem to have a lot of top staff.

[Mrs_Pegasus]

The problem with sitting everyone down in the same room and getting everything into the open tends to lead to everyone being 'nice' and you solve nothing.

Why not shadow shift all of them and see for yourself what the problem is. Get to the root of the problem, get staff to put in writing their concerns and get more detail. We all have a sweeping moan about things sometimes but if asked to detail it down it starts sounding petty and 9/10 people shut up and get on with it.

Were the other senior staff involved with the recruitment of this person? Did you ask their opinions? Have you worked alongside her etc?

When she started did you all go out together for a meet and greet social? With Christmas coming up it might be nice to take them out for a get together?

[karengimson]

Try www.vinehouse.co.uk Nancy Slessenger gives advice on this kind of thing and is fantastic. There are loads of reports to read on this website. good luck