Why Workplace Conflict Keeps Coming Back: Stress, Burnout and What We Miss

Most workplace conflict isn’t really about “difficult people.”

It’s about pressure, stress, burnout, and disconnection — and when these underlying drivers are left unaddressed, conflict tends to resurface again and again, even after seemingly successful mediation or intervention.

In this one-hour online session, we’ll explore why conflict keeps coming back, and what mediators, HR professionals, leaders and organisations can do differently to create more sustainable outcomes.

Drawing on over two decades of experience in HR leadership, mediation and workplace wellbeing, John Rodriquez offers a grounded, practical perspective on how stress and burnout shape communication, behaviour and relationships at work — and how these dynamics can either escalate or be transformed.

This session is designed to be reflective, accessible and practical, with relevance across sectors including government, health, NGOs, community organisations and corporate environments.

What We’ll Explore

• How stress and burnout quietly drive recurring workplace conflict
• Why resolving the “issue” doesn’t always resolve the tension
• Early warning signs conflict is being fuelled by systemic pressure
• The difference between mediation, facilitated conversations and early intervention
• How organisations can respond without increasing formality or risk

Who Should Attend

• Mediators and dispute resolution practitioners
• HR and People & Culture professionals
• Managers and team leaders
• Local and state government staff
• NGOs and community organisations
• Anyone involved in managing workplace conflict

No prior mediation experience required.

About the Speaker

John Rodriquez is a nationally accredited mediator and the founder of The Infinite Well. He brings over 20 years’ experience as a senior HR Business Partner within local government, alongside extensive practice in workplace mediation, facilitation and organisational wellbeing.

John’s work sits at the intersection of conflict resolution and human wellbeing, focusing not only on resolving disputes, but on addressing the underlying patterns of stress, burnout and relational disconnection that contribute to ongoing workplace tension.

Host

Comprehensive Mediation Services (CMC)
CMC provides mediation, facilitated conversations, reflective practice and conflict-resolution support across workplaces, communities and organisations throughout Australia.