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WORKPLACE MEDIATION

MEDIATE, DON’T FRUSTRATE

Research has shown that a 1/3 of one’s work time is spent dealing with conflict. That’s nearly three hours a day or two days a week.


‘Many people who are involved in workplace conflict recount the serious impact it has on their lives, including stress, demotivation, division, lack of self confidence, increase in sickness & absenteeism and blame’
 Irish Entrepreneur, Business & Life: March 2008

 

Workplace Mediation addresses conflict which can arise in the workplace. Conflict may occur in many situations often giving rise to relationship breakdown. The causes of workplace conflict include:

 

  • Personality Clashes
  • Differing expectations of management and communication styles
  • Harassment, Bullying,Prejudice

 

‘While it is crucially important for both the complainant and the person complained against that an effective process be put in place promptly upon a complaint being made, it is also very important that enough time be given to the process and to any mediation or monitoring that this involved.’

Code of Practice on the Prevention and Resolution of Bullying at Work, Health and Safety Authority

 

Such conflict can lead to : Poor work performance, increased absenteeism, increased number of complaints, breakdown in lines of communication and diminished productivity.

 

 

Process

The typical Workplace Mediation Process will involve a number of steps:

  1. Pre-mediation meetings, telephone conversations and correspondence with each party. This enables the mediator to obtain a history of the conflict to date and gain an understanding of the perspective of each party. The Mediator will also explain the process and ascertain the willingness and suitability of the parties to mediate

  2. A signed agreement to mediate

  3. A joint mediation meeting with all parties. Where this is not immediately possible or where the situation dictates, shuttle meetings may also be conducted

  4. The shuttle mediation is conducted by the mediators until agreement is reached

  5. The mediation is conducted in a manner which provides ample time and opportunity for the parties to reach agreement