About Mediation

Workplace conflict can arise for many reasons: perceived discrimination, jealousy over a promotion, underperformance, incompatible working styles or personalities, opposing targets or returning to work intervention.  Whatever the issue, mediation (also known as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)) is a quick, pain-free and cost-effective way of resolving things.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is an informal dispute resolution process, facilitated by a trained third party mediator, aimed at bringing two or more parties together to clear up misunderstandings, explore concerns, and reach an amicable resolution.

When should you use Mediation?

Mediation can be used at many different stages of the conflict process:

Informal: During the early stages of a dispute, mediation can be used as a highly effective intervention to resolve conflict.  At this stage the mediation is entirely voluntary and confidential involving an independent, impartial person (mediator) helping two or more participants or groups reach a positive solution acceptable to both/all. Focus here is on restoring relationships and moving forward.

Formal: Mediation can also be considered at the formal stage, providing all parties are willing to put that formal process on hold (mediation here follows the same principles as the Informal stage).

Post formal: Far too often following a grievance or disciplinary case the parties involved are in need of mediation support to help them integrate back into the workplace (this is a very effective support process which can include a more formal approach to the sharing of agreements reached by participants).

Need to book a mediation?  Take a look at our Mediation Programmes.