Disputes in the workplace can have a major impact on productivity and on employee engagement, and where the dispute is not resolved quickly it can escalate into a complicated grievance which can take a lot of resources and time to resolve. The dispute may lead to a legal claim and therefore potentially a costly exercise for the company.
Acting quickly where there is a workplace dispute through a mediation programme encourages both parties to discuss and resolve the conflict without escalation.
How does workplace mediation work?
Workplace mediation supports both parties to resolve the conflict. This facilitative process encourages talking between the parties to resolve a workplace dispute.
A third party workplace mediator (chosen for their impartiality) facilitates the conversations between the parties that are in dispute, to help the parties resolve the dispute and come to a mutually satisfactory agreement.
Normally carried out in one day, the mediator:
- Holds individual meetings for each party to talk about the dispute, and encourages them to find a way forward
- Facilitates a group meeting where both parties talk about the dispute, explain how it made them feel, and find a way forward that is mutually beneficial to both
- Follows up after the meeting to ‘check in’ with the parties
The facilitator will focus on the needs and interests of the parties in this confidential and voluntary process.
The mediation process encourages both parties to:
- Discuss
- Listen
- Reflect
- And, find a way forward
Where you have a dispute in the business, and to avoid this escalating into a grievance or potentially a tribunal claim, reach out to Nockolds HR on 0345 646 0406 or fill out our online enquiry form.
Our OCN accredited workplace mediator can provide on-site or on-line mediation support to your business.