Workplace Mediation
The revised Acas Statutory Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures, and the accompanying Guide promotes the use of mediation to resolve conflict in the workplace.
Conflict is an inevitable part of workplace dynamics even in the best of workplaces. Disputes between employees in the workplace are disruptive and may even harm a business’ public image especially if they lead to an Employment Tribunal. Please see Louise Farrell's article for the Federation of Small Businesses on Workplace Mediation here
Mediation allows you to:
· avoid damage to companies’ image,
· reduce costs associated with Employment Tribunal claims
· produce solutions often in a matter of only a few hours.
· help restore working relations rather than destroy them
Workplace Mediation offers an opportunity to
· address conflict quickly and effectively,
· improve employee morale and teamwork,
· achieve higher performance, productivity and profits,
· reduce and eliminate the stress involved in using more formal processes and
· reduce sickness absence.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary but structured process, whereby an impartial mediator facilitates communication between those in dispute in order for them to come up with mutually agreed solutions on how to improve their working relationship in the future.
The mediator helps the people in dispute to attempt to reach an agreement. Any agreement comes from the parties not the mediator. The mediator is not there to judge or to say one person is right and the other wrong. The mediator is in charge of the process of seeking to resolve the problem but not the outcome.
Our mediators are trained by the ADR Group whose courses are recognised by the Law Society and the Civil Mediation Council, accredited by the Bar Council and validated by Liverpool John Moores University
Why is it used and when?
Mediated agreements tend to succeed because it affords the parties the opportunity to air their views in a confidential setting. This diffuses situations and hence sets the scene for being able to reach a mutually agreeable settlement. Mediation is most effective where the parties are willing to participate in discussions aimed at resolving the dispute.
A mediator seeks to provide an informal, speedy solution to workplace conflict and can be used at any stage in the conflict.
Mediation is recognised as a crucial and cost-effective tool in resolving some of the most common and difficult conflicts occurring in the workplace, including:
· Harassment and Bullying
· Sexual Harassment
· Compensation
· Termination of Employment
· Cultural Diversity Issues
In the workplace, Mediation affords both the employer and the employee the choice to try something that has a high chance of having a positive outcome.
For more information contact Louise Farrell on
0845 0039456 or 07949 552403