Workplace mediation is used where there’s a strain or breakdown in working relationships between two or more colleagues, or in a team. This could be a communication problem, tension over different values or styles, a disagreement about strategy/roles or a boardroom conflict. The goal of workplace mediation is to defuse tension, repair working relationships, find robust solutions and ultimately restore harmony to the organisation.
We provide workplace mediation for boardroom and senior level disputes. Our service covers a range of conflicts including:
relationship breakdown
tensions arising from differing management styles
issues around diversity and inclusion within senior teams
different views on vision and strategy
allegations of bullying
sexual harassment
mental health absence
Workplace mediation can be used instead of going down the formal grievance/disciplinary route. It can also be used after a grievance or disciplinary has taken place to rebuild working relationships. Organisations can benefit from mediation at any stage of a conflict – although the earlier the better.
All organisations experience conflict – in fact a healthy level of differing views drives innovation and discourages groupthink. But when conflict escalates it has a destabilising effect. For the individuals involved it can cause anxiety and stress, result in underperformance or lead to absenteeism. For the organisation, the repercussions may be a decrease in productivity, time-consuming formal grievances or reputation-damaging litigation.
The benefits of workplace mediation:
prevents disputes escalating
improves productivity and performance
reduces risk of costly legal claims
improves morale and engagement
enhances team cohesion
saves valuable management time
reduces absenteeism
helps retain key talent
We offer a flexible mediation service based on your needs. As a guide, a typical mediation between two employees takes around 12-16 hours (1.5-2 days in total) over a period of one to four weeks. We find this timeframe facilitates the best results, allowing participants the necessary space to work through the issues and make lasting changes in behaviour and attitudes.
For particularly complex situations, or disputes that involve multiple participants, the mediation may take longer. In urgent situations we can complete it in one day.
We also offer a different approach for employees who are absent due to mental health conditions.
Workplace mediation is voluntary and can only take place if everyone involved in the conflict agrees to it. It can be used for two people or whole teams and works equally well with peers and senior-junior relationships.
After initial discussions with HR or the line manager, the mediator will speak to each individual separately to explore the issues and discuss the outcome they’re hoping for. The next stage is a joint meeting – a safe and confidential space where everyone has the chance to be heard. The mediator doesn’t tell participants what they should or shouldn’t do. Their role is as an impartial facilitator. They will guide the conversation, supporting the participants to agree an action plan for continuing their working relationship.
Mediation can be conducted face to face or online.
Our highly skilled workplace mediators bring with them a wealth of legal and business experience. With professional backgrounds in business, law, professional services, psychotherapy, HR and executive coaching, they’re uniquely placed to mediate across a wide range of boardroom and senior level disputes.
Explore individual mediators below or contact us to discuss the best mediator for your dispute.
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