Workplace Mediation
Success in mediation is about having healthier dialogue, retaining people and precluding a formal process, improving retention and engagement, and understanding that healthy, well managed conflict is a valuable force for change and innovation.
Mediation is a voluntary process where the parties in a dispute agree to engage with an independent mediator.
The mediator’s role is to listen to the concerns of each party, facilitate open dialogue and to encourage all parties to explore ways to resolve the dispute.
Mediation is confidential and therefore all parties are free to openly discuss in a safe environment, and any party can withdraw from the mediation at any time.
It is important to note, a settlement cannot be imposed by the mediator, neither is the mediator there to decide who is right or wrong.
Mediation is protected by legal privilege and anything discussed or disclosed cannot be produced or referred to in court should a settlement not be reached.
Advantages
Speed
An agreement through Mediation can usually be obtained far quicker than any other conflict resolution process
Cost Saving
The CBI estimates that it costs UK business £33 billion per year, taking up 20% of leadership time and otentially losing up to 370 million working days.
Factors to consider are:-
- The wasted time the parties think about the problem.
- Reduction in ROI.
- Reduction in quality of service and decision making.
- Employee Attrition.
- Re-Hiring and Training
Maintaining Relationships
Maintaining a working, relationship is a key benefit of mediation. A professional mediator can help the parties focus on affectively communicating with each other to find a future that works for both.
Control of the outcome
Mediation increases the control the parties have over the resolution. Each party are directly involved in negotiating their own agreement and no settlement can be imposed upon them.
Win / Win Solutions
Professional mediators are trained in working with difficult situations.
The mediator acts as a neutral facilitator and supports each party throughout the process. The mediator listens to everyone’s view, talks to the parties privately and together guiding them towards a settlement agreeable to all parties.
Confidential
Everything said at the mediation is entirely confidential to the parties, unless specifically agreed otherwise.