Grievances, increased absenteeism and gossip are all indicators of a workplace with unresolved conflicts. Choosing mediation allows organizations the opportunity to resolve issues including the following disputes:
Discipline and performance issues
Allegations of harassment, sexual harassment and discrimination
Team, co-worker or interpersonal conflicts
Employee and supervisor/manager conflicts
Employee terminations
By resolving issues in an open and collaborative manner, organizations minimize the risk of the costs associated with high staff turnover and find ways to retain valued and committed employees. The sooner you bring an issue to mediation, the better as timeliness can prevent the conflict from growing or spreading. It also allows all involved to be more invested in the process as they all have a stake in the outcome and, as such, as stake in the company. Because most workplace conflicts arise from competing values or poor communication, our mediation process allows the lines of communication to open and a better understanding of each other to be built.
What can I expect?
Initial consultation: One of our mediators will talk with you to explain our process and to determine if the situation is suitable for mediation.
Logistics and scheduling: A contract for services will be prepared. The pre-mediation and first mediation meetings will be scheduled.
Pre-mediation meetings: The mediator will meet individually with each party to help prepare them for the mediation and to provide conflict management coaching. These conversations serve as an opportunity for the party to help clarify what they would like to share during the mediation. These meetings range from one to two hours.
The joint mediation session(s): Facilitated mediation with the parties to address their concerns and to consider strategies for resolving their issues. These meetings are typically scheduled for two to three hours. If the issues to be resolved are complex, more than one mediation session may be required to reach understanding.
Reporting: Discussions between the parties and the mediator are kept confidential. Any agreements reached by the parties can be recorded in a memorandum of understanding prepared by the mediator.
How much will it cost? Our fee for workplace mediation is $250 per hour. Invoices for services are sent at the end of each month.