Workplace Mediation

How Can it Help?

Conflict in the workplace costs UK businesses £33 billion through reduced workplace performance, higher staff turnover, absenteeism, and many other costs. It is estimated that UK businesses lose 370 million working days a year and leaders spend up to 20% of their time dealing with conflict in the workplace.

The Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution found that Mediation saved UK businesses £2.86 billion per year through effectively stopping conflicts escalating.

Mediation can stop workplace conflicts before grievance and discipline procedures have to be followed and before a minor conflict leads on to become an Employment Tribunal case.

How Does it Work?

Mediation is an entirely voluntary process that provides an impartial, confidential environment for those involved. The Mediator explores the nature of the issue and finds a way to support the parties involved to find ways of improving the working relationship.

Issues can often be resolved in one day but sometimes follow up meetings are necessary.

What Issues Can It Help With?

Mediation can be used in most workplace conflicts between 2 or more employees no matter what their position in the organisation. Broadly it is used in:

Leadership differences
Personality differences
Workplace roles & responsibility issues
Communication issues

These can range from employee productivity, team member cooperation, personal disputes and business issues. Conflicts can happen in any working relationship. If left unchecked, they can fester and escalate, potentially leading to grievance and discipline procedures being followed or employment tribunals.

Both ACAS and Employment Tribunals actively encourage parties to engage in mediation as it is proven to resolve conflicts, improve communication, restore trust and allow the parties to move forward avoiding the heavy cost attached to claims.

FAQs about Mediation:

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a confidential and voluntary process aiming to resolve workplace issues involving two or more individuals.

When is Mediation recommended?

Mediation is recommended to help improve working relationships between individuals. For example:

Misunderstandings/conflict between colleagues or peers
Misunderstandings/conflict between staff and managers/supervisors
Perceptions of harassment, discrimination or bullying
Communication difficulties

What is the goal of Mediation?

The goal of Workplace Mediation is for participants to resolve the dispute themselves, hopefully reaching a solution to a workplace dispute that's acceptable to the parties involved.

What are the benefits of Mediation?

It is quick and effective, gets people talking, saves money, it’s flexible, it’s informal so it can be much less stressful for those involved. In addition to that, it does not affect an employee’s statutory rights.

Other benefits are:

The relevant parties retain ownership of the process
It is an opportunity to work through issues in a safe respectful space facilitated by an impartial expert
Quick and cost-effective service
Increased staff morale and productivity
Saving on management and HR time
Improved staff retention
More engaged workforces
A happier working environment
Improved employer reputation

How long does it take?

Mediation (between two people) normally takes one day or, on some occasions, perhaps two if the disagreement is more involved or complex.

Where is the Mediation held?

Mediation is normally held in a private room (no interruptions) at the organisation. However, in some cases the organisation may prefer to hire an external venue for the process so there are no interruptions throughout the day.

Get in touch for a free consultation.