Workplace mediation

Through Workplace Mediation disputes can be resolved without having to file a “formal complaint.” It is a confidential process of shared decision making facilitated by a neutral third party.

In mediation, participants are given an opportunity to discuss the dispute, feel that they are being heard, gain insight and understanding into the perspective of the others involved and work together to explore and develop possible ways towards resolving the dispute.

Mediations can help with resolving disputes between 2 people or groups of people.

Why Mediate?

Through workplace mediation, participants will benefit from:

• Recognizing and understanding the other person’s point of view.
• Improving self-awareness of how their actions impact others.
• Feeling empowered to resolve their own disputes without having to rely on Human Resources and/or Management.
• Confidential decision-making

Through workplace mediation, organizations will benefit from:

• Disputes being resolved quickly with minimal disruption to productivity.
• Cost effectiveness in terms of the direct cost of resolving the dispute as well as the indirect cost of time spent dealing with the dispute.

When Mediation Can Help

Here are some examples when workplace mediation may help:

• Problems between employees. Even the simplest of problems between employees, if left unmanaged, can begin to spiral and grow into much larger issues that impact the entire team. Through mediation, these problems can be resolved quickly before they have time to fester.
• Harassment complaints. Mediation can be a very helpful first step in dealing with accusations of harassment, especially if the complaint is based on a misperception or misunderstanding of what is acceptable workplace behaviour.
• Termination. Through mediation, employees are able to fully share their feelings and concerns regarding a termination and may allow for a more “peaceful parting.”