Workplace mediation is a voluntary process that helps employees and employers to resolve conflict with the help of a neutral third-party mediator.
Mediation is a flexible process suitable for disputes between employees (interpersonal conflicts) and between employers and staff. It is designed to help resolve the many types of conflicts that can arise in the work environment.
How does workplace mediation work?
With workplace mediation, the mediator provides a safe space for open discussion about the conflict. In this secure environment, everyone can express their feelings and needs.
The goal of workplace mediation is for the parties involved to come to a mutually agreeable solution for managing the conflict and improving their working relationship moving forward.
Crucially, the mediator does not impose their opinion or judgment on the situation. Instead, they guide the conversation to ensure everyone understands the others’ perspectives.
In addition to resolving the dispute at hand, mediators help employers prevent similar conflicts from arising in future.
Benefits of workplace mediation
Here are just some of the benefits of workplace mediation:
- Voluntary process: Because participation is voluntary, employees are more likely to be invested in finding a solution
- Safe space: The mediator creates a secure space for open and honest communication
- Improved communication: The process can help employees improve their interpersonal skills, which can benefit them in future conflicts
- Protects relationships: Mediation can help to resolve conflict in a way that preserves working relationships
- Reduces stress: By resolving conflict, mediation can help to reduce tension and anxiety in the workplace
- Cost-effective: Mediation is often less expensive than litigation.
