What Is Challenging Behaviour Training? Evidence-Based solutions for teams
Every workplace has moments when pressure builds and emotions run high. A sudden outburst, a dismissive tone, or ongoing resistance to feedback can shift the atmosphere instantly — leaving teams uncertain, stressed, or withdrawn. These moments rarely fix themselves. Instead, they often escalate unless leaders intervene with the right tools. Challenging behaviour training gives employees the skills to understand triggers, manage reactions, and transform conflict into constructive dialogue.
What Is Challenging Behaviour Training — and Why It Matters
Challenging behaviour in the workplace — such as emotional outbursts, negativity, resistance to feedback or aggressive communication — can seriously disrupt performance and wellbeing. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that 1.8 million workers in Great Britain experienced work-related ill health in 2023/24, with stress, depression and anxiety as the leading causes.
A major contributor to stress is poor communication and unresolved conflict. When employees don’t know how to manage emotions or respond constructively during pressure, everyday interactions can quickly escalate. This is why many UK organisations now rely on challenging behaviour training to rebuild communication skills and create psychologically safe, high-performing teams.
How Challenging Behaviour Impacts Workplace Culture
Research emphasises that disruptive behaviour is more common than most companies realise. A 2024 study published in BMC Public Health found that:
10.6% of UK employees experienced bullying or harassment in the previous six months.
Among those cases, shouting or verbal abuse was one of the most frequent behaviours.
Nearly half reported excessive or unfair criticism.
Such behaviours activate the body’s stress response, reducing clarity, problem-solving ability and willingness to collaborate. Even a single incident can shake confidence and trust within a team, while repeated behaviour can fundamentally damage workplace culture.
How Challenging Behaviour Training Creates Real Change
Challenging behaviour training equips employees with practical skills to manage pressure, communicate respectfully and prevent conflict escalation. Instead of purely theoretical lessons, modern programmes use:
experiential learning simulations
realistic workplace role-plays
emotional regulation techniques
guided reflection and feedback
These methods help participants recognise emotional triggers, choose calmer responses, and communicate clearly even during high-stress moments. Over time, these skills raise psychological safety, strengthen team relationships and reduce unnecessary tension.
What Behaviour Change Experts in the UK Recommend
Behaviour Change Experts emphasise a simple principle:
People change behaviour when they experience its impact — not just when they hear about it.
Effective training shows employees how reactive communication shuts down ideas, how tone and body language influence trust, and how respectful language keeps conversations productive. Leaders play a crucial role; when managers model calm and consistent behaviour, the entire team is more likely to follow.
When Challenging Behaviour Becomes Misconduct
Not all difficult behaviour is misconduct — but patterns can be. Workplace behaviour may be considered misconduct when it:
intimidates or humiliates colleagues
is targeted or repeated
disrupts work or creates a hostile environment
makes employees feel unsafe or unable to speak up
UK workplace guidelines expect organisations to address these issues early, before they escalate into grievances or legal concerns.
Why Challenging Behaviour Training Protects Organisations
Unaddressed behaviour problems can increase absenteeism, turnover, conflict, and reputational risk. Training helps employees understand expectations, learn emotional management skills, and build healthier communication patterns. Over time, organisations benefit from stronger teamwork, greater trust in leadership and reduced conflict-related disruptions.
With guidance from a Behaviour Change Expert UK, workplaces can establish consistent behavioural standards that enhance performance and wellbeing.
How Sidestream Supports UK Organisations
Sidestream delivers behaviour-led programmes that transform communication and reduce conflict. Our support includes:
behavioural diagnostics for teams
tailored challenging behaviour training
leadership coaching in behaviour and communication
conflict-resolution and emotional intelligence workshops
Using behavioural science and immersive learning methods, we help organisations achieve long-lasting cultural change.
Build a Safer, More Resilient Workplace
Sidestream UK specialises in evidence-based behaviour training that strengthens communication, improves psychological safety and prevents conflict escalation.
📩 Book a free call today to explore how challenging behaviour training can support your organisation.
FAQs
is challenging behaviour training evidence-based?
Yes. The techniques used — such as behavioural modelling, cognitive-behavioural principles, and experiential learning — are supported by applied psychology and workplace behaviour research.
What causes challenging behaviour at work?
Common causes include stress, unclear expectations, poor communication, emotional overload, and cultural issues.
Who needs challenging behaviour training?
Teams experiencing conflict, emotionally reactive interactions, or communication breakdowns benefit most, as well as leaders who manage such behaviours.
Does this training reduce workplace conflict?
Yes. Evidence shows that behaviour training improves emotional regulation, communication, and psychological safety — which reduces conflict-related incidents.
Is the data in this article sourced?
Yes — all statistics are from:
HSE UK (official government data)
BMC Public Health (peer-reviewed study)
